Newbie Question???

[MAXXFJ]

Thank You all for the warm welcome.Just siffting through the build-up Forum for some ideas & getting too many to keep track of.I haven't seen an FJ on this web site that I don't like,but I did read a few posts where the person installed an ARB air locker. Question is-- And I'm sorry if this has been covered in the past,(not enough time to read all of them), Why install an after market locker when it has one from the factory? Is there a difference? Is the factory one not as strong or reliable? Personal choice? Thanks,& sorry again if this is a repete Q & A. MAXXFJ...

[Kansas Law Dog]

A few 4x4 automative FJ Cruisers were ordered bare bones that did not come with a rear locker. It is easier and cheaper to install an after market locker than retro fit with the Toyota OEM. Also, some folks want a front differential locker, and only an after market offers this option.

Also, the factory rear locker only works in low range. An after market will work in both high and low.

[PornScooter]

I also had questions about lockers and was able to do more forum research on them. To expound on what L.D. wrote, the option to retrofit vehicles with the OEM e-locker is more expensive because I believe you need to purchase a new rear axel third member before you can even start installing an aftermarket e-locker. To address another aspect of your question, there has been some discussion on the forums that indicate sentiment some people have that air lockers are more robust and durable than the OEM e-locker, however this weakness would only be revealed by those hard core off-roaders in the 95th percentile per say. Another reason, again mentioned by L.D., some people want a front air locker, and I know that generally most people don't like to mix and match air and electronic lockers.
Just to clarify, these sentiments are just me echoing what was said on an early 2007 episode of the Spike TV show, Extreme 4x4. There was a two part build up with a 2007 FJ on which they install both front and rear ARB lockers. You can still download these episodes from iTunes for $1.99 each. I did just to have them as reference for the future. Hope this helps.