Installing ARB air lockers...who's done it? - Diesel Forum

RattlinFord · 10-09-2005, 10:22 AM

hey all, bought a set of ARB air lockers for Deezel a while back and still haven't installed them. i know axles but to be honest i am a little timid to jump into these with no real idea what lies ahead. is it a pretty straightforward thing or does it get really complicated? anyone nearby who would like to come and supervise over a 12-pack, lol? seriously, anyone who has advice/pics if you could please help me, please do!

thanks in advance!
Josh

Nit · 10-09-2005, 11:59 AM

have one, almost finished wiring it yesterday, I had a shop put it in, I would have done it myself, but I know better, good thing too then had a tiem fitign it, you must have teh special tools and extra shims to get it to fit right. I could not remove teh carrier from teh case to start with.

BigBopper · 10-09-2005, 12:40 PM

If you have successfully changed a carrier in an axle before, the ARB is no different other than the airline and a few tricky fittings. You also have to drill the top of the housing for the air fittings. As Nit said, you also need to have an assortment of carrier shims to obtain the correct backlash.

Cheers...

BB

RattlinFord · 10-09-2005, 07:07 PM

thanks guys...don't know if i will do it or not...i know about having to possibly spread the case and whatnot, but i really don't wanna spend $900 or so to have these installed...

Josh

Nit · 10-09-2005, 11:56 PM

less than that to install, mine was only $500 up here, but I was in a huge rush to get it doen.

gtspowerstroke · 10-10-2005, 12:47 AM

Take it up to Randys Ring and Pinion. It's a little north of seattle but they know their stuff!

RattlinFord · 10-10-2005, 12:57 AM

i bought the ARB's at Randy's...lol, thats a LOOOOONG drive...i might still just do it myself...

Josh

gtspowerstroke · 10-10-2005, 02:41 AM

You get them from Randy's Ring and Pinion or Randy's Offroad?

RattlinFord · 10-10-2005, 02:49 AM

Randy's Ring and Pinion...was hoping someone on here might have actually DONE it, really don't wanna pay anyone to do it...

Josh

AggiePSD · 10-10-2005, 10:24 AM

I've installed a Detroit Locker and 5:13 gears in a Dana 60 before. Since you are installing a whole new carrier you need to set backlash and preloads, which requires a dial indicator and an in/lbs torque wrench. You need a press also. I would just order a rebuild kit with all new bearings and it comes with an assortment of shims.

Installs around here go for ~$300. If you want to do it yourself, take your time and read up on it as much as you can. It was fun and I'll be doing it again. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]

Mick · 10-11-2005, 05:21 PM

I installed an ARB air locker on my Mustang. I feel the ARB instructions are the best I have ever used. They are step by step. Read through the instructions one time and see if you think you have the tools for the job. I had to make a case spreader. I took a pic of the install. It is the 13th picture down on my Mustang web page. I know it is only an 8.8 rear, but the job is still the same.

http://www.angelfire.com/fl5/qa1/

The picture shows the spreader I made in use, air line installed in the case, and in the process of setting up the gear lash with the ARB installed.

RattlinFord · 10-11-2005, 07:25 PM

hey THANKS man!! that helps a lot!!

Josh