8.8 Locker for a DD

[crawlin91]

Ive read through the tech library and other various places. I have no experience using lockers but I want to install one in the 94 Explorer 8.8 thats goin into my 91 ranger. The 8.8 was purchased with no gears or diff and since im lifting I want to go ahead and gear the stronger 8.8axle and remove the 7.5. I want something that is a quality product, the guy at HCP 4x4 said he would only warranty an ARB locker and that the rest including detroits and Elockers would only give me problems. I dont know which to choose gimme suggestions or a little advice based on your experiences.

It will be used for running trails and as a DD.

 

[Dishtowel]

How much of your driving is on pavement? 75%? If your pavement driving is LESS than 50% of your total driving then just save your coin and weld it!

 

[4x4junkie]

I don't see a Detroit being less reliable than an ARB in the rear (infact, ARBs had huge problems before they redesigned the unit some years back)

I would say though if this will be on the street much, a selectable locker would probably be the best bet over an auto locker.

I have a Detroit in mine. It won't let you forget it's back there while on the street.

 

[colinrmitchell]

I have a Lockrite in mine. The only thing I noticed is the clicking, and the inside tire likes to kick when taking a sharp turn on something loose. Some have complained about tire wear and stuff, but I haven't noticed it.

 

[rockinranger]

I have an 8.8 from a xploder in ther rear of my ranger. I Daily drive my 37" beadlocks with a lockrite, and not one complaint. No excessive tire wear, no chattering.
Save your money, or send it to me.

Oh and by the way, I also beat the shit out of my ranger, with the 5.13 gears, front/ rear lockrites, and 37" beadlocks, and dana 44 up front.

You'll be fine!

 

[Hahnsb2]

Powertrax No-Slip. Smoother and quieter than the lock-right or Aussie locker but it's more expensive, I've heard wonderful things from those whove switched from a lock-right to the no-slip. That said my Lock-right is just fine on the street with my 1000 miles a month, I know it's back there but it's no problem to drive and it's silent. If you go with a lunchbox locker I recomend the Aussie locker if you don't want to pay the extra for the no-slip, if you go full carrier, Detroit will be more reliable than an ARB or e-locker. Nice thing about the lunchbox lockers is that you can install them without having to reset any gears, and it doesn't take long.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

I have a Detroit in mine. It won't let you forget it's back there while on the street.

Junkie, I've got a new Detroit locker in my 31 spline 8.8 and I've never once noticed it on the street? No noises or chirping of tires around corners. I found it to be a huge improvement on the street over my previous Lockright.

My vote is for the Detroit all the way. For both strength (as the weak point of the 8.8 is the carrier) and reliability. You won't be disappointed.

 

[crawlin91]

Yeah I think they just want me to spend more $. I am leaning towards a detroit since I need a carrier.

 

[Jason]

I have always used ARB air-lockers. Selectables are the best option for a vehicle that sees any street use but of course the wallet must be able to make it happen.

 

[4x4junkie]

Junkie, I've got a new Detroit locker in my 31 spline 8.8 and I've never once noticed it on the street? No noises or chirping of tires around corners. I found it to be a huge improvement on the street over my previous Lockright.

My vote is for the Detroit all the way. For both strength (as the weak point of the 8.8 is the carrier) and reliability. You won't be disappointed.

You drive an automatic. It's much worse with a stick at each shift (all the drivetrain slop makes it go clunk-clunk)

 

[sbsrlewis]

I've been looking into the Ox Locker and it seems like a strong durable unit. I have also talked to guys that use them on their jeeps and they had nothing negative to say about them.

 

[crawlin91]

OK. I am pretty sure that I want a selectable locker that replaces the carrier(as I do not have one). Are detroits selectable? What works? What do you run? Maybe an Elocker so I dont have to buy a compressor etc.

 

[4x4junkie]

A Detroit is an "automatic" locker (works through a ratcheting mechanism of various sorts).
Other examples are the Aussie, Lockright, and Powertrax No-Slip.

Selectables are the ARB, OX, and E-locker.

The Auburn ECTED is one pretending to be a selectable locker, although they are not a true locker, it's a limited slip that just gets real tight when you push the button. It can still slip (and often does when you need it most).



I like the ARB. They're very simple on the inside, and the ones being sold currently seem to be very durable (the compressor can be used for inflating tires too, not just for the lockers). Their customer service in the past was inconsistent, although hopefully that's changed as well (most reports I see these days seem to be positive).

 

[Jason]

Customer support with ARB isn't anything to brag about. However, there warranty support is awesome form what I here. I have never personally had an issue and have only even heard of one guy with a gripe and they took care of it fast. Of course he also had a leaking axle vent and he filled the diff with water.

As far as tech support, the product is super simple and the instructions are good. If you can't figure out an ARB air-locker, you shouldn't be working on an axle at all.

 

[crawlin91]

Might just save the $$ and do the arb. Everything from what I have read and what you guys are telling me points in that direction. But what about the ox and Elocker, What pros/cons do they have?