Adding the rear locker

[frost702]

I did not buy my 2008 FJ with the rear locker and now I want to add one to it. What is the best option. I have heard that the ARB setup is good but that the stock one might be a little better. Can anyone tell me the part list that I will need to buy and if I can buy this from a salvage yard.

I did read that a 4runner owner retro fitted his with Tacoma rear end and it was just a swap, new ECU, and a switch. Can I do that with an FJ?

[sbechtold]

The axle housing for a non-elocked FJC is different from an elocked FJC. You can retrofit the elocker third into your non-elocked housing, but it will require cutting the housing face so that the elocker shift fork will fit. There is a good writeup on how to do the retrofit on 4x4wire. IMO, those who have non-elocked third the ARB is a better option.

BTW, you do not need the ECU to install the elocker. Inchworm has an elocker wiring harness that allows you to connect the elocker motor to a toggle switch.

[Sean K.]

The ARB is a stronger option than the factory E-locker. You're better off going ARB.

Sean

[JAXTOY]

Arb would be the way to go, the unit is very strong. I have them in the front and rear on my FJ62 and have never had any problems except for the air pump going out.

[frost702]

I have heard that there is a lot of problems with ARB and that the parts fail all the time. I have read a lot about them and know jeep guys who have them. The compressor and o rings seem to be the main source of failure. I am not a rich man and I drive my FJ everyday, I do go every weekend 4 wheeling (or try to). The ARB locker is a large investment, and does not seem to be reliable.

If all I need is the axle off a FJ with the locker installed and then buy the wire harness from Inchworm, wouldn't that be the better approach? Is it hard to find these axles at salvage yards? Can I use a older 4 runner axle with the locker on it that is not the 30 spine?

[Sean K.]

frost702 previously said:

I have heard that there is a lot of problems with ARB and that the parts fail all the time. I have read a lot about them and know jeep guys who have them. The compressor and o rings seem to be the main source of failure. I am not a rich man and I drive my FJ everyday, I do go every weekend 4 wheeling (or try to). The ARB locker is a large investment, and does not seem to be reliable.

If all I need is the axle off a FJ with the locker installed and then buy the wire harness from Inchworm, wouldn't that be the better approach? Is it hard to find these axles at salvage yards? Can I use a older 4 runner axle with the locker on it that is not the 30 spine?

Simply put: you heard wrong. Here's the thing....people who don't actually own ARBs will often times "make up" (or as I like to call it: LIE) about how many ARB failures they have seen to prove their point that Detroits or Lockrights or Aussies are better.

The truth is: if installed correctly, the ARB has very few failures. Yes, it's more complicated than a traditional, non-selectable automatic locker. It's no more susceptible to failure than any selectable locker and is IME, more reliable than most....but you have to make sure the installer knows what they are doing.

Yes, the axles are hard to find at boneyards and they command a premium since they are locked. They are inherently weaker than the ARB in the same axle...which is why they are not recommended for vehicles with 37" tires or larger....yet there's no size restriction on the ARB unit for the same axle.

If you're planning to run 36" tires or smaller, then the factory E locker is still a viable option, but finding a whole axle is harder than just buying the Elocker and then modifying the existing housing to fit it.

Good luck.

Sean

[frost702]

That is great. I would love to use the ARB lockers and wanted to have them do the front and rear. If I am hearing things that are not true and ARB lockers are the better way to go then I am in!

If you look at the post just 2 above yours though you will see that they have had the same problems that I pointed out. If you are ARB rep or have some affiliation I understand that completely and please do not take this like an attack on the product. I do not have any locker, I am new to four-wheeling (bought an FJ with no locker), and I do not make crazy amounts of cash. I am looking for a good product and trying to compare my options. I am running a 285/70-17 AT tire and do not wish to go any larger then this. I have found a problem with trying to find a rear axle at the salvage yards but the national ones have told me that go for about $1000. ARB with the compressor installed by someone who works at a 4wheel shop charges $1700 for rear and compressor (This sounds good). What I need is information on what is the best bang for the buck.

Should I go with the ARB that again has been reported to have problems with the air compressor and o-rings, keep trying to find the OEM locker and pay the extra, or just plan on buying it on the next FJ and learn how to drive without it? I am not going to be doing Rubicon or Moab anytime soon, and the only time that I have been stuck is when the vehicle in-front of me got stuck and dug huge ruts in the trail. Maybe save the money on the locker and get a lift and a winch for now? I need experienced wheelers opions because what would happen if you were out on the trail, you could not turn back and your locker just failed beyond repair. I am so confused on this......