ARB Air Locker Questions
New User
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
ARB Air Locker Questions
I am trying to build my 77 F-150 into a hot-rod (I'm 23 so don't kill me, I love the truck) I have driven the old Mopar muscle cars with posi-type rearends and wanted to do something similar with my truck. I realize that I want the best of both worlds, great out of the light tire-burning and yet still be able to take high speed turns with out the rear clacking away. My first logical thought was the ARB which I could turn on and off, but after reading all the posts that I could find, many 4x4 writers said they didn't like it. What does anyone think about it for my application? Also any tips for the hot rod conversion would be appriciated.
400M
4.10 rear
T18 tranny (probably going to change)
400M
4.10 rear
T18 tranny (probably going to change)
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,281
Likes: 18
From: Northern California
ARB Air Locker Questions
The ARB costs too much and is too much trouble for most. with the compressor, hoses... it is complicated. A simple limited slip that uses springs and clutches (trackloc, ezlocker) might be the best choice.
I understand the 400M is a poor choice for rodding, the 351W is and excellent choice for rodding. It has an excellent aftermarket following and more parts than you could want. The price is right and the power is there. It responds very well to upper rpm work, and you can even get stroker kits for cheap.
For big power, the 460 is an excellent choice, but the 351W is the choice for high reving.
Do research about the engine first, I wasted a bunch of money on the wrong engine before and wasn't happy with the outcome.
I understand the 400M is a poor choice for rodding, the 351W is and excellent choice for rodding. It has an excellent aftermarket following and more parts than you could want. The price is right and the power is there. It responds very well to upper rpm work, and you can even get stroker kits for cheap.
For big power, the 460 is an excellent choice, but the 351W is the choice for high reving.
Do research about the engine first, I wasted a bunch of money on the wrong engine before and wasn't happy with the outcome.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 861
Likes: 0
From: SE PA
ARB Air Locker Questions
I agree with the cons of the ARB stated above, they do have some use in the front of a 4x4, however, once locked they are nothing more than a spool. Check out an Auburn Gear Pro Series, this unit uses cones in place of clutches to up the durability, and I'm told that they do hook-up rather well when they need to. No personal experience with these, run Tru-tracs front and rear myself.
