Air lockers vs. electric lockers

[Zorba]

Doing a bunch of research on an eventual Super 35 upgrade, but haven't seen anything about the pros and cons of an Eaton E-locker (or other electric actuated locker) vs. an ARB (or other air actuated locker). By the time I do this, the Jeep will have OBA on it already, so air or lack of it isn't of concern.

Compare and contrast...

 

[Chris]

If you will have on-board air, there's no reason not to get air lockers in my opinion.

 

[Apparition]

If you will have on-board air, there's no reason not to get air lockers in my opinion.

Agree, happy with my ARB’s and Viair

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Both are great quality lockers, it does require more expertise and experience to install the ARB. Schlock shops should never be given your Jeep as their first Guinea Pig ARB installation.

If my rear locker takes a dump I'd probably be leaning toward the E-Locker. A few ARB installers I talked with on a couple wheeling trips complained about recent seal problems with ARBs. They weren't pushing a different brand, they were just pissed ARB wasn't helping with their labor costs to replace failed seals provided under warranty. Maybe BS or misunderstanding the problem, I don't know.

 

[DrDmoney]

The ARB used to have a clear advantage but not so much anymore. The E-locker is as fast and as strong as the ARB and if you add up potential failure points the E-locker has the advantage.

Edit: That said, I have ARB’s front and back, but if I was building another rig it would likely be Eaton E-Lockers at both ends.

 

[Wildman]

The only issues I've ever had with my ARB's was a burnt air line going to my rear axle. I can still remember when they first came to the USA in the 80's. Toyota of course was the first vehicle brand they offered them for and then Dana axle and on down the time. If I ever had to replace one I think for once I can agree with Jerry and say I would look at a E-Locker. But as Chris said since you are gunna have OBA then air locker. And you now have 3 options for a air type locker ARB, Yukon or OX.

 

[LarryTJ]

I just installed an Eaton E-Locker in my front DANA 30 (chrome axles, 27 spline). So, I would say I diversified my resources (ARB Rear, Eaton Front). Regarding pros and cons, well I would be feeding you BS since I don't have enough experience to speak towards either but feel confident I went the right direction based off this forum, talking to others who have Eaton and ARB. However, I did have a Detroit on my CJ7 and I never had any issues with Detroit.

 

[JDS123]

My ARB's have been flawless with two exceptions. One was a bad install and the second was the pump going out due to a simple electrical issue. Personally, I would never install more electronics on my Jeep than needed. That doesn't mean that the E-lockers are bad, just that I wouldn't install one. I don't know about recent issues with ARB's, but I can say that mine which were installed in 2016 have been very good to me.

 

[DrDmoney]

My ARB's have been flawless with two exceptions. One was a bad install and the second was the pump going out due to a simple electrical issue. Personally, I would never install more electronics on my Jeep than needed. That doesn't mean that the E-lockers are bad, just that I wouldn't install one. I don't know about recent issues with ARB's, but I can say that mine which were installed in 2016 have been very good to me.

Given the ARB needs a source of air to operate as well as solenoids and switches to go with the air line plumbing, the E-Locker is simpler to wire.

 

[Zorba]

I know that ARB makes a great product. The problem is, so do they and their products seem priced accordingly. $170 for a diff cover as a for instance. I had a hell of a time getting new O-rings for a used ARB cover I bought, I refused to pay $18 for a damn O-ring. How that translates to their lockers I have no idea.

For that matter, how does ARB compare with Ox and others?

 

[JDS123]

Given the ARB needs a source of air to operate as well as solenoids and switches to go with the air line plumbing, the E-Locker is simpler to wire.

I'm a luddite when it comes to lockers. What can I say.

 

[DrDmoney]

I know that ARB makes a great product. The problem is, so do they and their products seem priced accordingly. $170 for a diff cover as a for instance. I had a hell of a time getting new O-rings for a used ARB cover I bought, I refused to pay $18 for a damn O-ring. How that translates to their lockers I have no idea.

For that matter, how does ARB compare with Ox and others?

considering your dislike for gadgetry, you might prefer a cable operated Ox locker.

 

[suicideking]

Edit: That said, I have ARB’s front and back, but if I was building another rig it would likely be Eaton E-Lockers at both ends.

Agree with this. I replaced both axles, but stuck with ARB because air was already setup.

Though I did have a day where my compressor died on a hard trail. Had to be tugged and winched all day. Not likely to happen with an e locker.

 

[DrDmoney]

I'm a luddite when it comes to lockers. What can I say.

Surprised you didn’t go with the Oxen locksen.

 

[JDS123]

Surprised you didn’t go with the Oxen locksen.

I'm not enough of a luddite to forgo the convenience of sitting in my Jeep and hitting some buttons to get my lockers to engage. That would be truly unbearable and borderline inhumane.

 

[DrDmoney]

Agree with this. I replaced both axles, but stuck with ARB because air was already setup.

Though I did have a day where my compressor died on a hard trail. Had to be tugged and winched all day. Not likely to happen with an e locker.

There is a way to rig your spare as an air source to power an ARB, ask me how I know.

 

[Zorba]

considering your dislike for gadgetry, you might prefer a cable operated Ox locker.

From what I read here, the cable Ox wasn't well thought out. I have no problems with switches, relays, and solonoids - its touch screens, gratuitous microprocessors, and cell phones that I object to.

 

[Wildman]

All I can comment on is how durable the ARB locker is and as long as you have leak free connections they will work 99% of the time like they are suppose to.

I broke teeth off the ring gear and they took out the side cover on the ARB. Yes parts had to be replaced but it still worked after all this. And if there was enough force to break teeth off a Dana 60 ring gear what kind of force was being applied thru the ARB?

 

[Wildman]

From what I read here, the cable Ox wasn't well thought out. I have no problems with switches, relays, and solonoids - its touch screens, gratuitous microprocessors, and cell phones that I object to.

DO NOT go with the cable OX. I had a friend who has them in her TJ and it TOOK MONTHS for Dave at Jeep West before he was finally able to get them adjusted and routed correct to work. And she still has problems with them now and then.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

considering your dislike for gadgetry, you might prefer a cable operated Ox locker.

Ox's lever/cable mechanism is the worst Jeep gadget of all.