I have a 1989 f350 supercab on 41". I'm looking at an ox locker with manual cable for the rear. I like the manual cable due to greater reliability. Has anyone run these? What are the issues with them?

 

Not so sure that the manual cable really offers more reliability. There is probably a pretty large debate with regards to this statement. I mean the position of the cable assembly has the cable in a pretty vulnerable location. The air line in an ARB is also subject to leakage and being struck, as is the case with the E-locker.
However the location of the air lines and electrical connections are typically located at the top of the diffierential. This is similar to the location of the VSS for later model sterling axles. We seldom see these things ripped off or damaged, so the level of reliability for connections at these locations is reasonably high.
Even the factory GM and Yota electric lockers have had a resonably high level of reliability.
THe OX locker can be a little tricky to shift and engage. It often requires a little wiggle on the steering wheel to align the internals for complete engagement. Longer wheelbase vehicles might have an even more difficult time with this. Not a deal breaker, but can take some getting used to. Now, know that if you use the OX in the mud, you almost always have to engage the locker prior to your trek. If you get stuck and have not engeged the locker, you may find it very difficult to engage. Without being able to conduct your "wiggle" you may never, or at least may find it difficult to engage the locker. The little shift lever is cool, and can provide some feel for engagement. THis is something that an electric or pneumatic locker cant offer.
As long as we are on the subject of mud, even though the Morse cable is a tough cable, fine sand and mud sediment can make cable operation a little difficult, so the cable will add another level of maintenance.
Cool locker, but its concept never really took of with the thing being labeled as the "Hot ticket".

 

I live in south florida so no snow, hills, or rocks; just mud and water. I don't like air lockers, so what is the best alternative for a selectable locker in my situation?

 

Its a pretty cool concept but I know they had some problems at first and they never really took off.

 

Really very limited on selectables. You only have the option of an electric locker. All of which are spendy.
Any reason you have your heart set on a selectable?
Hope you dont think I was bringing any discredit to the OX. This is a stout unit, and I was just stating some of the things that you wont know about it until you actually drive a vehicle with one. They are not too common, so finding someone that will let you drive or engage on might be tough.
Test drive a locker,,,,,what a concept huh?

 

That's actually what i was looking for. Basically the down and dirty on the unit so i know the good and bad before i buy one. Nothing pi$$es me off more than spending money on something, only to find it's junk. I'm leary of the full time detroit lockers due to thier "manners" when driven on road. I still drive the truck around town to run errands so i like the concept of only locking in when i'm going off roading. I'm kind of warming to the idea of an arb locker. I just don't like the idea of having to rely on a compressor, which can break down, for the lockers to engage. I haven't heard much about the electic lockers for fords.

 

I have been running detroitd for years. The manners in which you speak are more from internet conversations from guys that dont even have them, or driven a vehicle with one installed.
Just cant beat the strength and reliability of the detroit. I use one in my SD too and I tow like crazy with it. Not light weight trailers either.
Yes, you do have to drive a little differently, but it only takes about a day or so to change the driving style a little. Not a tough thing to do.
For the cost and reliablity, this should still be considered.
I ran ARB's in my ex wifes Excursion. Man I miss that Ex. The Excursion, not the ex-wife, huh, that was funny!
Anyway, this had a pro-rock D60 up front, and a stock sterling in the rear, both stuffed with 4.88's and ARB's. Truck saw some 5.13's, blah, blah, but I did manage to break an ARB. These are not quite as tough as the detroit, and though I had never had a compressor problem, I can see how this can be an issue.
More moving parts and stuff can lead to potential failures.

 

Is there anything keeping you from looking at the electric lockers??? they've had some pretty good success in the OEM markets...and are becoming far more popular on the trails too. Also with the arb....keep in mind that with that now you have an onboard air compressor if you want to air up or down.....