I've wheeled with lot's of guys with both ARB's and OX's...overall I don't like either that much. But in any case, I would vote for the ARB's because I see less issues with them on the trail then the OX. Every single person I have seen on the trail with an OX always has troubles engaging it...the OX is definitely not immune to the "are both tires spinning" questions. While the lever in the cab has a positive engagement, that doesn't mean the diff is engaged. It just seems like every ride the OX guys are crawling underneath the vehicle adjusting the cable.
CK5
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OX vs. ARB
- Thread starter HOPPER
- Start date
CDA 455
3/4 ton status
Mini hijack:
This thread is one reason why I'm seriously considering a spool for my front D60.
O.K., hijack off.
This thread is one reason why I'm seriously considering a spool for my front D60.
O.K., hijack off.
mrdrinksalil
1/2 ton status
Do you have compressor or air tank allready set-up in your rig? Dont forget that added expense. They both have their weaknesses, but I can say that I've never even heard of ANYONE break a OX cover.
I say mini-spool or weld it. And just get out and lock your hubs when you gotta. Hubs are gonna be the weak link anyway. It just depends on the type of wheelin you do and how much you think you're gonna have to get in and out to lock hubs up. Hubs are also quick and easy to replace on the trail. But Dana 60 stubs arn't cheap.
I say mini-spool or weld it. And just get out and lock your hubs when you gotta. Hubs are gonna be the weak link anyway. It just depends on the type of wheelin you do and how much you think you're gonna have to get in and out to lock hubs up. Hubs are also quick and easy to replace on the trail. But Dana 60 stubs arn't cheap.
I want to watch you drive in the snow with your spooled front end Clemente. The whole point of a selectable is that you can have an open and mild mannered front or fully locked like a spool. If any of us wanted a spool this thread might have been called "Which spool is best?".
Anyone have good bad or indifferent opinions on the detroit E-lec-trac (or whatever it's called)? Also selectable, but electric. When locked it's locked like a spool, when not locked it's a LS.
I know at least on CK5er with one, but I never got a chance to ask him about it. That was CanadianTrailBlazer (bright green first gen)
Rene
Hey Rene, I think I heard that thingy is going away. Since Eaton and TracTech (sp?) merged both Eaton and TracTech/Detroit had similar electric lockers and I believe it was the Detroit that was going away last I heard.
Wasn't it the Eaton Electrac and the TracTech/Detroit ELocker? Trying to remember...
Wasn't it the Eaton Electrac and the TracTech/Detroit ELocker? Trying to remember...
Something like that...i knew I was getting the name of it butchered.
Rene
Rene
guz71
1/2 ton status
I dont know about the eaton but I had an auburn ected (similiar type of elocker) and I didnt much care for it, it only locked up when it felt like it. For that reason I wouldnt ever run and electric locker again but I have heard of many happy people with the eaton elocker.
Frankly I haven't met many people who have ever been happy with anything with the Auburn name on it...
I know the choice of diff covers is out with an Ox but have you guys seen one!? If you can put a dent or a hole in it you probably have bigger problems than your front locker. And as far as adjusting the cable I have seen guys have problems with that but usually those are problems that can be solved while in you driveway.
Now the arb problems can mostly be solved in the driveway too. That little plastic line the arb comes with is junk around here too much sage brush to reach up and grab it and tear it, If going the ARB route I would add some money to run the airlines with some hard line or braided stainless type line
So basically with a little more prep than the average bear one can run either or with very little problem
Can't you get out and manully lock in the Ox? If so that would be one advantage
Now the arb problems can mostly be solved in the driveway too. That little plastic line the arb comes with is junk around here too much sage brush to reach up and grab it and tear it, If going the ARB route I would add some money to run the airlines with some hard line or braided stainless type line
So basically with a little more prep than the average bear one can run either or with very little problem
Can't you get out and manully lock in the Ox? If so that would be one advantage
CDA 455
3/4 ton status
I want to watch you drive in the snow with your spooled front end Clemente. The whole point of a selectable is that you can have an open and mild mannered front or fully locked like a spool. If any of us wanted a spool this thread might have been called "Which spool is best?".
Rene
What's with the attitude (
), Rene 
???I clarified it was a hijack (Off-topic comment).
I've been following this thread from the start, and many have pointed out several shortcomings of both products.
Go with an ARB. I've installed a couple and they've been reliable.
I've seen the same trouble with OX lockers and wouldn't recommend them.
No more Detroit Electrac, when Eaton bought tractec they ditched it in favor of their own Elocker. The Elocker was going to be my choice but they seem to have some issues.
The Auburn "selectable" locker is about as much of a locker as a gov lok. Its basically an Auburn limited slip that uses an electromagnet to put more force on the clutch. It can slip and the shafts aren't mechanically locked together.
I've seen the same trouble with OX lockers and wouldn't recommend them.
No more Detroit Electrac, when Eaton bought tractec they ditched it in favor of their own Elocker. The Elocker was going to be my choice but they seem to have some issues.
The Auburn "selectable" locker is about as much of a locker as a gov lok. Its basically an Auburn limited slip that uses an electromagnet to put more force on the clutch. It can slip and the shafts aren't mechanically locked together.
fortcollinsram
1/2 ton status
Having installed MANY ARB's and a few OX locker at the shop where I work, I will say that ARB wins hands down... The biggest issue we have had with the OX is the cables for the engagement control stretching and not staying in adjustment. You are constantly readjusting the cables if you want your lockers to work properly..
As far as ARB's leaking, we have found a simple fix. MAINTAIN the differentials properly. Even the older design ARB was reliable. The issue comes when small metal particles are present in the fluid and that will wipe out the seal in short order. A diff with good clean fluid will have NO issues with an ARB leaking for MANY miles. There are usually warning signs on ARB's when they start to leak as well. Oil blow by that will show as oil puking up the air line and out of the compressor is a sure sign that the bonded seal likely needs to be repalced
As far as ARB's leaking, we have found a simple fix. MAINTAIN the differentials properly. Even the older design ARB was reliable. The issue comes when small metal particles are present in the fluid and that will wipe out the seal in short order. A diff with good clean fluid will have NO issues with an ARB leaking for MANY miles. There are usually warning signs on ARB's when they start to leak as well. Oil blow by that will show as oil puking up the air line and out of the compressor is a sure sign that the bonded seal likely needs to be repalced
CUCV2
5/4 ton fun
Made in USA
Not that it seems to mean much to anyone anymore but the OX is Made in the USA. The ARB is made in Australia. They both have there pros and cons. I would just as soon support the American economy. Also, I would think the fact that the OX comes with a HD diff cover would be a pro for it. One less thing you will have to buy later. IIRC these things are plenty rugged. The manual engagement is a plus as well.
Not that it seems to mean much to anyone anymore but the OX is Made in the USA. The ARB is made in Australia. They both have there pros and cons. I would just as soon support the American economy. Also, I would think the fact that the OX comes with a HD diff cover would be a pro for it. One less thing you will have to buy later. IIRC these things are plenty rugged. The manual engagement is a plus as well.
Feel free to shoot me a PM if you need any help, I've done a few ARB's and am pretty close by.
