arb vs. ox lockers

getting ready 4 lockers wondering which ones are the best?

 

ARB requires OBA or at least their silly little air pump. They have had some quality problems recently and do not always disenguage properly. This is from my budy who owns a 4x shop.

OX requires you to run cables up inside the jeep. But no air and work great. Their quality has improved a lot recenly.

Personally I would twinstick the 20, put a full detroit in the rear and a lockright in the front. The twin stick will allow you to engage and disengage the front axle at will to help with turning.

 

After a few years of pounding an ARB in the front of my rockcrawler, my CJ is getting ARB's on both ends. I run onboard air and use pneumatic switches and braided stainless lines instead of the ARB parts and have zero problems. Last time I checked, the ARB's were also cheaper than OX's , even if you buy the pump.

In reality, they're both great lockers, buy whichever one you get the best price on and don't look back.

 

Go with a spool or detroit in the rear. Go with an ARB or OX in the front.

 

I just installed an OX in my CJ5.. Main reason was I wanted selectable lockers, and do not want to hassle with air..

My Jeepin bud has Detroits front and rear, and is going to switch the rear to an OX..

 

I'm mulling the same topic. Originally I was going ARB so I could also have air for tires. Now with the Warn power plant winch the options seem much more open. I've also heard, no surprise, lol, conflicting reports on Lockrights. I like that they are inexpensive and easier to install but I don't want to have something that will self destruct quickly.

 

what about ox's cables and dirt-n-water? already have detroits front and rear,they suck on ice!!

 

ARB:
Engages faster.
Very strong.
Obvious potential to leak air.

OX :
Cable is sealed pretty well I think. The open end is inside the diff.

Cover is very heavy duty. No need for additional protection.

The one spring in the cable has to overcome six springs inside the unit. Basically, the lever pushes on a spring that pushes on the cable. I replaced my cable's spring with a solid piece for more positive engagement.

Cable could easily be replaced with an air actuator. People do it, and should get faster engagement.

The Ox is as strong as the ARB.

 

Most of the problems associated with ARB's is poor routing of the lines or improper set ups. I've set up literally dozens of thems with no issues. ARB also has a heavy duty line kit that does away with the silly plastic hose that is much better. I'm actually using air switches from a Freightliner instead of the solenoids. Direct Mechanical valve instead and they look cool!
I can't really say much about the OX except the people I know who have them like them and they seem plenty strong. I've seen the cutaways and talked to the rep at a trade show. Since the cable redesign they seem easier to use. KaiserJeeps on here has one of the first and had a little bit of problem but it all got straightened out and he seems to like his. I've never installed one so can't comment on that as everyone around here seems to go with ARB's, Detroits, Lock-rites, or limited slips. Nickmil

 

I'm suprised no one has mentioned electric lockers, I've seen the mag. reviews some good, more not so good? opinions?

Dale

 

In general, poor coverage. They seem to work great, but focus on AAM and Toyota axles. I know Eaton is working on expanding Dana applications. The Eaton seems to be a very good locker, I haven't heard much good about the Auburn.

 

Most of the electric lockers have been suffering from dependability issues, at least they were. May have changed though....I'll let someone else test them with their money though. Nickmil

 

Yes, and some of the dependability issues were that you couldn't depend on them to lock!!!

 

I've installed a couple auburn ected in some dana axles and they seem to work great. One guy has been running his for ~6mo worry free. Even if something were to happen and it not fully lock they are a aggressive limited slip in their "open" mode. But if it was my $$$ to spend and I needed a selectable OX would no doubt be my first choice.

 

go ARB there Australian made.
the quality going down is a load of .... well you know.
the process hasn't changed since the introduction of the ARB airlocker.