I am in process of building a 4WD for off road use/weekend on road use. First of all it's not an X, I don't have that kind of money to buy another .

Everytime I mention the ARB lockers to "seasoned" wheelers they say they have heard of horror stories...but none have ever used the product. I know how they work...I am not scared of them or the air lines, as I have a good working knowlege of vehicle air systems (heavy duty trucks). But I am looking for some first hand information.

Here's the question:

What has been YOUR experience with them?

How do you like the operation...had any problems getting locked...etc.

Thanks!

Not first hand experience but I was on a trail once with a freind and he had his air line go on the trail. It's his second so far but other than that he seemed happy with the ARB.

On the other hand I'd be happy with any lockers on the trail.

The only problem I have had
is the electrical switch cover
breaking. I now carry extra covers.

I have talked to a number of leading
4x4 guru's. Most use/recommend ARB.
One said he had used Detroit's for years
and wondered why he had waited to make
the switch. He thought the ARB's were
MUCH better.

Toy Man

PS: If you are experienced with truck air
systems, then it is fairly simple
to convert to air instead of electrical
switches. I have used both and found
no differences in use.

I had heard of people doing this, and after concideration it is definately the way I want to go. I have alse read about people using their onboard CO2 tank as a pressure supply for the engagement of the lockers...pretty neat as well. The only issue I have of this is that I have heard that CO2 will prematurely dry-out rubber parts (causing failures). Any clue if the internal O-rings are silicone or rubber?

Was it hung up on something, or did the line crack, fitting crack??? Just wondering if you know.

Thanks for the responses

Pacopico,

I have ARBs lockers front and back, and wheel with Jeeps... The X climbs like a goat and NO PROBLEMS.

I personally don't know of any off road alternatives for the Xterra... Eaton keeps talking, and Detroit is a maybe someday. LSDs are great for snow and K-Mart parking lots, but are #$@% off road.

ARBs are solid and they have a long track record with Nissan (back to the Hardbody days of the 31 spline rear axles).

Price is the only thing that is a bit painful, AND they require maintenance. I check seals on a regular basis, run up the pressure, change lube, etc.

See ya on the trail,
Doc

You've got a PM with a couple of good leads for more input with your question.

I wish I could give you my personal experience, but my drivetrain is still stock

Here is a good diagram on how to
'plumb' an air operated system.

Air layout

Toy Man

Thanks for the replies (and the links)

In doing my research I have found about (6) different products out there. Since I am at the point where I can use any axle I want, I figured I would build around my locker preference...The more info the better.

BTW the "seasoned" (read: Know-it-all) 4wheelers are the only people I know in person, so their opinions often stick to a singular product with no objective reasoning!

To me it looked like trail damage, broke the end off of the fitting. He said it just burst.

You are probably right, the air supply to the locker is minimal, not enought to "burst" a brass fitting!

????

Has anyone seen this from Calmini? http://www.purenissan.com/detroit_locker.htm

I've also check the site for the company that makes them. (I can't find it right now) What would the drawbacks be from this?

They generally will not fit our trucks. We have 33 splined axles, and those are for 31 splines. Also, if you have an LSD they will not work.

Pacopico,

With a quarter million X's sold, ya think there would be more locker choices available... but ARB is the only game in town.

Some very early X's had 31 spline rear axles and the Detroit probably worked, but there are no current Detroit lockers for the X. The stuff on the Calmini site is bogus.

Bite the bullet, man... sell the dog and TV... buy an ARB.

See ya,
Doc