Hey Folks,
I'm looking for some advice here. I'm considering putting lockers in my Defender (going to change gears to 4:10 too) and I'm trying to decide between an ARB or a Detroit Locker/True-Trac solution. I can see how the ARB could be a slightly 'better' solution, in that you have more control off road in how you want the truck to be, and then no change in driving on road, but of course the ARB also brings added cost and complexity, and the increased breakdown possibilities that occur with any complex system. In other words, I do like the simplicity of the Detroit's. Also, in both instances, I'm upgrading the rear axles.
I'm trying to decide if the additional cost / system complexity is worth it for the ARB. Without getting into to many $$ specifics, I think the the ARB will cost at least about $800 more than the Detroit solution, which includes the added cost of having the ARB plumbing installed at a shop (for either option I'm going to get a set-up 3rd member replacement, and install that myself). In reality, that difference could increase a bit, because if I'm going to have a shop do the plumbing, I'll probably just have them do the whole swap. But for comparison sake, we'll say it's $800.
I've heard of occasions when its recommended to tackle certain obstacles unlocked, and even know of at least one person who didn't heed that warning and blew his ARB... Now that was out West, and I live in New England now and don't know when I'll make a trip west, but we do have plenty of rocks and climbs on the east coast too, so I'd like to hear opinions from anyone with the two options that could offer some insight. I'm particularly interested in how often anyone with Detroits encounter situations where they believe an ARB would have mattered, etc.
Bottom line is this: I'm spending a good chunk of change here, and I don't want to cheap out on another 8 bills if the ARB is really a superior solution that I will be glad I have. However, at about a 30% increase in cost, I don't want to go ARB if it'll only matter 2% of the time.
One more note, although the truck isn't driven daily, it does see a good bit of the street. From what I've heard, I'm under the impression that the Detroit's occasional clicking and banging won't bother or really effect me on the road. If anyone disagrees, I'd like to hear that too.
Any input on this is very much appreciated.
thanks,
Dave Souza
1995 Defender 90 SW
I'm looking for some advice here. I'm considering putting lockers in my Defender (going to change gears to 4:10 too) and I'm trying to decide between an ARB or a Detroit Locker/True-Trac solution. I can see how the ARB could be a slightly 'better' solution, in that you have more control off road in how you want the truck to be, and then no change in driving on road, but of course the ARB also brings added cost and complexity, and the increased breakdown possibilities that occur with any complex system. In other words, I do like the simplicity of the Detroit's. Also, in both instances, I'm upgrading the rear axles.
I'm trying to decide if the additional cost / system complexity is worth it for the ARB. Without getting into to many $$ specifics, I think the the ARB will cost at least about $800 more than the Detroit solution, which includes the added cost of having the ARB plumbing installed at a shop (for either option I'm going to get a set-up 3rd member replacement, and install that myself). In reality, that difference could increase a bit, because if I'm going to have a shop do the plumbing, I'll probably just have them do the whole swap. But for comparison sake, we'll say it's $800.
I've heard of occasions when its recommended to tackle certain obstacles unlocked, and even know of at least one person who didn't heed that warning and blew his ARB... Now that was out West, and I live in New England now and don't know when I'll make a trip west, but we do have plenty of rocks and climbs on the east coast too, so I'd like to hear opinions from anyone with the two options that could offer some insight. I'm particularly interested in how often anyone with Detroits encounter situations where they believe an ARB would have mattered, etc.
Bottom line is this: I'm spending a good chunk of change here, and I don't want to cheap out on another 8 bills if the ARB is really a superior solution that I will be glad I have. However, at about a 30% increase in cost, I don't want to go ARB if it'll only matter 2% of the time.
One more note, although the truck isn't driven daily, it does see a good bit of the street. From what I've heard, I'm under the impression that the Detroit's occasional clicking and banging won't bother or really effect me on the road. If anyone disagrees, I'd like to hear that too.
Any input on this is very much appreciated.
thanks,
Dave Souza
1995 Defender 90 SW