rear locker selection

If you are not going with a selectable locker, and you can afford a little more. Then you should just get the better unit. Buy a regular Detroit Locker.

They have much smoother operation than any of the lunchbox lockers (Lock-rite or Aussie or Detroit EZ). They also last longer. The lunchbox lockers are really just "Locker Converters". Before you make a decision, find a way to look for yourself in person at a regular Detroit Locker and also a lunchbox locker. Many people start out with a lunchbox type, and when they wear out, they usually install something else.

I am not saying that the lunchbox lockers do not work, because they do. BUT, I would only buy a lunchbox locker if you are on a tight budget and in a hurry. If you can afford to wait, save a little longer, and get the better unit.

As far as driving on the street with an automatic locker. Yes, it will want to spin out on you when it rains or snows. But as long as you are the only one who drives the vehicle, you are probably a good enough driver to handle it. If your wife or others drive it, then you better get a selectable.

If you choose selectable......ARB and OX seem to be the way to go. Just choose the set-up you prefer.

If you go with the OX, make sure you get a long enough cable. Take a stiff garden hose, and route it the way you would run the OX cable, without kinking it. Then measure the length of garden hose you needed. The OX cable is very stiff.

Enjoy your decision making process!

 

OX charges extra for the cable, and the locker is more expensive to begin with. By the time both systems are set up, the cost difference doesn't amount to much.

 

The thing I hate about auto lockers, especially in the front, is that it doesn't take much to bind the axles to the point you lose your steering. Not many 4x4 situations suck worse than being nose down on a tight switchback with no way to turn the tires, and it's even worse in rocks and big roots. The Detroit is an outstanding unit, but knowing what I know now, I don't think I'd put another one in a trail rig that sees a lot of street time. Hydro assist steering helps a lot, but opens another big bucket of mods needed to make the steering and knuckles live. Maybe I'm just getting lazy

 

I run a spool in the rear and an aussie up front. If your going lunchbox locker, I think the Aussie is just about the best I think.
But I don't drive in snow.

 

My previous post was about the rear. If you are thinking about the front..... Selectable locker all the way.

 

The cable is included with the ox. Its $20 more if you need a cable longer than 87 inches. The Arb lockers I looked at were more expensive than the ox, and it didn't include the compressor. (info checked at OX-USA.com, and 4WD.com).

 

The more I look at the OX the better I like it. As much strret driving as I do I hate to screw up the street manners. The OX should be about the same as my limited slip until the lever is pulled. Yeah it's a lot of money but I've spent money on stuff that totally sucked before. Like my crappy Holley Truck Avenger carb. I hate it and wish I would have spent a little more and did a EFI. Or my winch, stinks! Should have spent another couple of hundred and bought a good one. Or my first tranny, T-14 3 speed, hated it! Got in a hurry on the initial build, should have held off and I wouldn't have had to swap it two years later. Or all the new drum brake parts I bought and took off this year because I got tired off dumping sand out of them, 4 wheel disc 4 years later. Geez, I should have just sold my Jeep and started over with a clean slate. But on the bright side...my projects are always good for the economy! As soon as Uncle Sam gives me back some of my tax dollars I going OX.

 

I like your attitude. Makes me feel better about all the parts I've bought and thrown away later.

 

I just checked out 4wd hardware web site and they have the OX locker at 10% off for the next 3 days. That brings the price down to 765.00 smackers. I guess everything is 10% off right now but that seems pretty good on a big ticket item.