another ARB vs OEM locker issue

[mason]

If you were in the market again for an 80, and found TWO 80s, both very close to the same year, mileage, and condition, but one has ARBs installed and the other has OEM lockers, which one would you choose?

--Eddie

 

[Beowulf]

Mox nix.

-B-

 

[KliersLC]

OEM,

ARB's are notorious for problems-air lines, compressor, oil leaks etc. I'll take anything toyota builds over most comparable items

 

[FirstToy]

I like the performance of ARB's and it is stronger than stock from what I understand.
What makes the factory appealing is that you dont have to spend additional money for lockers (and the OEM bragging rights I guess).

Up & downs to both. I think there might some good discussion on this topic here in 80's tech or try all forum search for it.

If two equal trucks of the same price, that would be a tough decision. Nice to be in your shoes tho.

 

[Tools R Us]

The one that's in the best condition.

 

[Boston Mangler]

Factory!

 

[aim]

Factory!

I'm with him and that's where I put my money. I started in front, though, the knuckles needed overhauling...
OEM parts, OEM gaskets, OEM electrons in OEM wiring harness, OEM routing of the easy to damage bits, OEM shields, OEM stuff hanging up on OEM rocks, wait a second!

 

[cruiserdan]

The one that's in the best condition.

Agreed. Do check both to make sure they work though...

I think that if the vehicles were identical in other equipment and in equivelent condition, I would pick the OEM locks. In other words it would be a tie-breaker only for me.

 

[reffug]

Factory!

ARB!

 

[Tapage]

I thought if you already have factory lockers good .. so rebuit them if is necesary .. but if you don't have lockers, in my opinion ARB is the best option .. if are well instaled .. trustme no problem ..

I have on my HJ-60 more than 3 years .. with 0 problems .. of air leaks .. 37" tires, front cromo set again no problems ..

Just my 5 cents ..

 

[fj803fe]

I thought if you already have factory lockers good .. so rebuit them if is necesary .. but if you don't have lockers, in my opinion ARB is the best option .. if are well instaled .. trustme no problem ..

I have on my HJ-60 more than 3 years .. with 0 problems .. of air leaks .. 37" tires, front cromo set again no problems ..

Just my 5 cents ..

I'll throw in a few extra cents on that.

OEM is nice, well..er...uh...cause its OEM-but ARBs have been great, and on-board air to boot!

 

[sleeoffroad]

Depends on what tire size and what you are going to do with the truck. Hardcore 37" tires I would take the ARB's given everything else is the same. Search for thread on twisted splines on rear axle.

 

[cruiserdan]

Excelent point. Nod to ARB for extra large tires.....

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

I think if 100's came with F&R lockers from the factory I'd prefer having them. Well....crap, they don't, so I added ARB's. 2-years and no issues (though keep your air canister bolt tight)

My 80 has factory lockers...no issues either....BUT:

USING THE LOCKERS ON THE TRAIL...I FAR prefer the ARB's. They lock and unlock instanty. The factory ones are picky. Last Saturday I got in REAL trouble because they didn't lock in time. Granted, I should have MADE them lock before climbing but didn't. I cannot believe they never locked though. That smoke was from me spinning. As soon as I stopped praying I wouldn't slide....they locked. Doesn't happen with ARB.

 

[mason]

Thanks. I placed the call to Slee (Adrian) today, and got the prices on the full ARB install with OEM switch and lights, along with a 2.5" lift.

I don't have any preference between the two big dealers, because I had never dealt with either of them. Slee is just a lot closer.

Problem is, there's a cruiser in really good condition here in town, with OEM lockers. Same year, stock condition also. After an ARB install (minus the lift), I'll be about the same as if I buy the locked 80 and sell mine (based on recent sales of unlocked 80s).

I'm trying to make a decision before the 80 sells.

--Eddie

 

[FirstToy]

So the choices are:
add ARB's to your existing 96
or
buy a locked 96 and sell your current one?
------------------------------

If yours is in great shape, seems like adding ARB's and regearing at the same time (if you plan on 35's) would be the best bet. You know the history of yours.
You maybe sitting on yours for a bit or not get what you expect $$ so that is a bit of an unknown too.

If you are happy w/ your rig, I would ARB it. I like ARB's, they work really nicely on the trail.

Then again, if you wont be happy unless you have a OEM locked 80- go for it.

 

[hoser]

Problem is, there's a cruiser in really good condition here in town, with OEM lockers. Same year, stock condition also. After an ARB install (minus the lift), I'll be about the same as if I buy the locked 80 and sell mine (based on recent sales of unlocked 80s).

I guess you don't have to pay sales tax on used vehicles. We do in CA

 

[wileetoyote]

Good choice.

I too have had finicky OEM lockers whereas on my other ARB'd rig, I've had no issues what so ever. As mentioned earlier, what would sway me one way or the other would be the added compressor all things being equal.

btw - I've used ARB's in my Toy extracab (sold to a close friend) and my current 4Rnr over the past 10 yrs...again, no issues with either truck. Its a great product if setup properly. The o-rings that are used in it have never needed to be replaced (although now that I've said that... )

WET

 

[Biff]

I had a similar situation as yours. Considered for a while selling my 94 and buying a oem locked 80. In the end I opted for ff/rr ARB's and 4.56's instead. Comparing my experiences with OEM locked 80s, and ARB'd 80s I would go for the ARB's. I did my own install total cost for everything was $2900.00, best mod I've ever done and I kept my 80.

 

[ginericLC]

've had both. I'd go ARBs if $ was the same. But the condition of the rigs would be my #1. Stronger, faster to engage, and you get the cool pssst! sound when you turn them off. It always seems like the factory ones get stuck on or off. Mine haven't been a problem thus far but my dad's rear always gets stuck. On the trail with other 80s it seems one is always acting up. I don't like the ARB blue lines. I use the smaller more flexible stuff available everywhere. Also, I've seen quite few ARB pumps fail over the years. So??? But I'd still go ARB. When cost comparing figure the new gears too. That might make the ARBs cheaper.