Lockers???
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3,523
Likes: 483
From: Southern OH
not sure what hassle you speak of as once the system is mounted you just flip a switch to use it. Anyhow, before you discount on board air for an ARB consider the fact you then always have air and the ability to fix flats or just air up tires.
Hell, even if you don’t get an ARB installing a on board air system is a good idea.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
Meh, If you get an air leak it’s because you did a **** poor job of routing the air lines. Been running ARB’s on my DD, jeeps and race cars for over 20 years and have never had a leak or a failure. My guess is the same people that haphazardly ran run air lines would not do a much better job on an elocker wiring and would likely get a short.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
Lucky for you there are several non selectable lockers to choose from but none of them that really let you forget about them as they have their own set of quirks to constantly remind you of their presence.
For me the ability to match the diffrential being open or locked to match the conditions is vital.
For me the ability to match the diffrential being open or locked to match the conditions is vital.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3,523
Likes: 483
From: Southern OH
Lucky for you there are several non selectable lockers to choose from but none of them that really let you forget about them as they have their own set of quirks to constantly remind you of their presence.
For me the ability to match the diffrential being open or locked to match the conditions is vital.
For me the ability to match the diffrential being open or locked to match the conditions is vital.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3,523
Likes: 483
From: Southern OH
So will most factory limited slips if you don't know what to expect, a rear locker isn't much different in the snow.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
ya, limited slips are useless in the snow and lockers are more of a hinderance then a help other then for brief engagements,
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3,523
Likes: 483
From: Southern OH
They both help in the snow, I would much rather have a auto locker in the rear than an open diff. However I do like an open front differential for snow use.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,753
Likes: 34
From: Los Angeles, Ca.
Many people shy away from ARB because they require air and electricity to function. I think the fears of air leaks and electrical issues are brought on by the many people who do shoddy installations, install it correctly and it'll be fine. Big rigs rely on air systems and plastic tubing for the brakes, think about that. The couple trail repairs I've assisted on with ARBs showed huge installation screw-ups, almost a miracle they worked at all.
While I have great faith in ARB lockers, their high end twin pump compressor is overpriced junk. It's almost really nice, but has a couple design flaws and I'll never buy another. When I talked to them about the couple easy fixes for the flaws, while arranging a warrantee replacement, the guy appeared deaf to what I was saying. On the upside, it was an easy warrantee approval and I didn't have a receipt for it.
While I have great faith in ARB lockers, their high end twin pump compressor is overpriced junk. It's almost really nice, but has a couple design flaws and I'll never buy another. When I talked to them about the couple easy fixes for the flaws, while arranging a warrantee replacement, the guy appeared deaf to what I was saying. On the upside, it was an easy warrantee approval and I didn't have a receipt for it.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,800
Likes: 31
From: OKC, OK
I installed an ARB on a Ford 8.8" for a for Ranger that I owned. I had never built a rear end or installed a locker before. I re-geared it to 4.10, added 31 spline axles and the ARB. I never had 1 issue with it. It was awesome. The Ranger was parted out almost 10 years ago. A guy with a Jeep bought it from me. I thought I wanted one for the front diff, but after the snow comments, I am not so sure. We get bad ice in OKC every few years.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3,523
Likes: 483
From: Southern OH
I installed an ARB on a Ford 8.8" for a for Ranger that I owned. I had never built a rear end or installed a locker before. I re-geared it to 4.10, added 31 spline axles and the ARB. I never had 1 issue with it. It was awesome. The Ranger was parted out almost 10 years ago. A guy with a Jeep bought it from me. I thought I wanted one for the front diff, but after the snow comments, I am not so sure. We get bad ice in OKC every few years.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 833
Likes: 4
Beach driving is tricky.
Just be aware that air lockers are a pain in the *** to maintain, require compressors and air lines running everywhere. The seals go out sometimes and can leave you stranded. A rear full-time locker is absolutely AWFUL on pavement, been there done that. Front? I wouldn't even try it.
I don't do a lot of beach driving, mostly muddy fields and mountain trails... My Truetrac works great. I rarely have to engage 4x4 even in some precarious situations. TIres make a big difference too.
Just be aware that air lockers are a pain in the *** to maintain, require compressors and air lines running everywhere. The seals go out sometimes and can leave you stranded. A rear full-time locker is absolutely AWFUL on pavement, been there done that. Front? I wouldn't even try it.
I don't do a lot of beach driving, mostly muddy fields and mountain trails... My Truetrac works great. I rarely have to engage 4x4 even in some precarious situations. TIres make a big difference too.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3,523
Likes: 483
From: Southern OH
I disagree with that, I have auto lockers in the rear of all 3 of my vehicles and they do great on the pavement. However a truetrac is a good choice if you don't need a full locker.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
i have run them in every wheeler I have had for the last 20 years including winning the Baja 1000 3 times with them.
I have yet to be left stranded by a seal and the only maintaince I have done is clean the compressor air filter we added on the race car. Then again the race car gets completely disassembled after a race and maintained so it added maybe 5 minutes to a 60 hour task.
so I have to ask, what maintaince have you had to do to your ARB ?