2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Ox locker vs. ARB

[BRobertson]

I am getting parts together to rebuild my front axle,

I have the Dynatrac kit, both inner and outer kits, and new ball joints ordered.

I am trying to decide between the Ox and ARB.

I already have an air system installed, the OASIS compressor for my air seats, horn, Pac brake, air bags, etc.

I am intrigued by the cable operated OX, as I had a similar locker on an FJ40 years ago, and it worked great, even at -40 degrees!!



Anyone have experience with either, or both!!??????



thanks for any comments!!!

Bob

 

[Signal73]

arb is a simple system with little to fail. very few moving parts and they have become proven in sledpulling over the years. I cant comment on the OX dont know anyone who runs one.

 

[BRobertson]

At this point, I think I will go with the OX in front, and next year when I order the rear Dynatrac Pro 80 axle, I will have them install an ARB.

I have done several Google searches, and so far I haven't found anyone that has installed an OX in one of our trucks, but the examples in other vehicles are mostly well thought of, just some issues with the earliest shifter design!!

Bob

 

[24Vpirate]

if you have air already go ARB i have installed ox lockers and no matter what they tell you that cable shift is very gay at best. another option is the eaton e-locker uses 12 volts instead of air and is cheaper then the other 2. i own a differential rebuild shop thats why im giveing my . 02 worth. ox stands for #@$%!:-laf

 

[BRobertson]

Signal and 24V, thanks for the input!!

Were the OX shifters the recent design, say the last few months??

thanks!!

Bob

 

[AH64ID]

I have had ARB and have nothing but good things to say about them. .

Thou when I get a locker for my 05 it will be the OE E-Locker.

 

[SRadke]

I put the AAM e-locker in mine. Same unit as the power wagons come with. Has preformed flawlessly with my sledpulling program and was considerably less money than the ARB.

-Scott

 

[BigRedRam]

Nothing quite like having the switches on the dash for instant locking. Using the transfer case, and ARBs front and back you end up with 1,2,3 or 4 weel drive.

 

[SRath]

According to this:

Products | New Products

the Eaton E-locker is not available for the Dana 60. However, the Detroit Electrax is. They both use 12v to engage the locker, but the big difference is the Eaton is an open diff when not engaged and the Detroit is a limited slip when NOT engaged and a full locker when engaged. Personally, I like the idea of that. Especially since it is NOT a friction plate type limited slip.

As a truck driver with air-operated-everything, I can assure you that without an air dryer up there in Alaska, you will very likely have freezing issues with external air-operated items when it gets cold. Not to mention how brittle and prone to breakage those plastic lines will get in sub-zero temps. That would make me lean towards the OX over the ARB, which is fine for guys in California or other warm places.

If you go air or 12v powered, you will want to take extra precautions when routing the wires or air lines. Anyone who spends much time in the snow knows how it quickly packs up under vehicles and clings and hangs on everything. Small wires or air lines going to your differential will be prime targets for getting torn off by snow and ice buildup.