Before i deposit more money into this pit i just wanted to see if anyone can make some recommendations between ARB and TJM lockers. I've read a few posts and wanted to get opinions. My plans are to have a front locker ARB RD132 in front with my Aussie in the rear. I realize both both are lockers are reputable and need justification which route to go. Appreciate your thoughts and comments with either product line. Thanks in advance!
ARB Air Locker vs TJM Air Locker Recommendations
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The big issue TJM seems to market is they don't have the O-ring issue. Which I have. And it sucks. Really sucks. We have to tear mine apart again and I'll tell you, if it still spews gear oil all over my engine bay, I'm not going to be happy.
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Locker
Thanks for the heads up. I wasn't aware of the ARB O-ring issue. Have you spoke to an ARB rep about it? Hmmm...i wonder if its a design issue or material type problem. Think I need to do more research b4 i pull the trigger.
I had an ARB in my 4runner and it was great! No issues with O rings and always worked. I got it out of a truck that had had the unit installed for 10 years and ran it in mine for another 2 years. its still running strong for the new owner. I did replace the o ring housing and seal end housing before install as both where worn on the 10 year old unit (It was not leaking though just preventative).
you will not get alot of opinions on the TJM because it has only be here in the US for about a year or so
I think there is only one or maybe two guys on here that have the TJM.
I do remember reading that someone had some install issues with a part of the TJM locker but I think that it got resolved and TJM helped him out
With any type of mechanical device like an air locker anything can go wrong, but for the most part I would think that either would be fairly reliable
ARB does have a pretty good international reputation, I dont know anything about the TJM product
Have you googled the TJM locker?
Maybe you can get some info from other parts of the world where they were more available.
I think there is only one or maybe two guys on here that have the TJM.
I do remember reading that someone had some install issues with a part of the TJM locker but I think that it got resolved and TJM helped him out
With any type of mechanical device like an air locker anything can go wrong, but for the most part I would think that either would be fairly reliable
ARB does have a pretty good international reputation, I dont know anything about the TJM product
Have you googled the TJM locker?
Maybe you can get some info from other parts of the world where they were more available.
Can't talk about TJM more than I read here .. ( there is an interesting thread about TJM locker in the hard core section )
here is ..
https://forum.ih8mud.com/hardcore-corner/198135-tjms-new-pro-locker.html
here is ..
https://forum.ih8mud.com/hardcore-corner/198135-tjms-new-pro-locker.html
It was I that had issues with TJM Locker. The issue has been resolved and the locker has performed very well, no issue so far after installing. The thread on the problem can be found here https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/526748-tjm-pro-locker-arrived.html
The only issue I have now is Mike from TJM USA was gonna send me a shipping lable to send back the broken locker to him and a TJM air compressor to copensate me for all my troubles. It has been now almost a month and still have not heard or received anything. I know Mike does not have to compensate me anything but when he said he will I expect his words to be honored.
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I have also been looking at the TJM but the air actuator still has the input air line next to the ring-gear instead of on the opposite side like the 9.5 diff has. Personally, I think they did a bandaid fix to Nick's, it works and probly won't have any other problems but it doesn't make it right.
I just learned that I might have a hookup for ARB so if it's cheap enough I will spring for a pair, the alternative was the Aussie lockers.
I just learned that I might have a hookup for ARB so if it's cheap enough I will spring for a pair, the alternative was the Aussie lockers.
I agree, I would rather have the air line on the right side instead of toward the ring gears. Even with the new actuator I had to shave off some of the bracket to clear the line from the ring gear. If I had 4.88 instead of 5.29 gear the bracket would be not be an issue. Anything over that will be very tight. I spoke to someone from Just Differential and they have install gears that are larger than 5.29 and had no issue. It may be just maybe my luck or something.
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- #10
Thanks everyone for your comments.......ARB it is!
I looked at thr TJM's about 3 years ago, but went twith ARB front and rear. I cycle my lockers 3-4 times a month, change gear oil every 50,000klms and have no problems in a) 14 years of a 60 series and b) 3-4 years in an 80 series.
Plus, TJM wanted more coin than ARB at the time. Duno about nowadays.
But ARB very reliable over 17 years
Plus, TJM wanted more coin than ARB at the time. Duno about nowadays.
But ARB very reliable over 17 years
The seal problem in the ARBs is caused by someone installing them that is not familiar with installing the ARB lockers. I am having my fixed right now because the person that installed them to begin with didn't know what he was doing. It is tricky so don't take my criticism as too harsh. Most people screw it up at first. Really experienced ARB installers have mastered installing the lockers without tearing this very fragile seal.
Once they are done correctly, the seal should last for many years.
Once they are done correctly, the seal should last for many years.
I'm not a master or anything close installing ARB or anything .. 
but I had no problem following instructions with the old model and the new ones .. it's just about taking your time to do it ..
but I had no problem following instructions with the old model and the new ones .. it's just about taking your time to do it ..- Thread starter
- #15
Thanks gentlemen.....I'll make sure the person installing it is well experienced with ARB lockers.
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Sometimes, but not always. One that I'm helping with was installed by a well respected/experienced installer. We had it out, didn't see anything wrong, talked on the phone with the ARB tech for most of the afternoon, sent pix, replaced the seals (looked perfect), etc. It still leaks, spits out the solenoid, they are stumped, so sent one of their puke can kits.
My guess is; the leak is at the piston, so likely a factory screw up. There are several in just our club that puke gear oil and eat solenoids, I'm guessing it is far more common than most want to admit?
Yeah, I've got one of those puke kits from ARB that I haven't installed yet; sitting around for two years now. Mine leaks any time I use it through solenoid. I have been also dueling on the TJM locker idea for some time and may end up getting one at some point to replace my ARB. Piston leak is a serious defect IMO; if in fact that's the case... funny the way they decided to patch it though.... puke kit 
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I'm pretty sure it is .. I had that issue with my first set of seals ( old model ) nothing too serious to me ..
Sometimes, but not always. One that I'm helping with was installed by a well respected/experienced installer. We had it out, didn't see anything wrong, talked on the phone with the ARB tech for most of the afternoon, sent pix, replaced the seals (looked perfect), etc. It still leaks, spits out the solenoid, they are stumped, so sent one of their puke can kits.
There are several in just our club that puke gear oil and eat solenoids, I'm guessing it is far more common than most want to admit?
I understand the issue with puking gear oil because mine was doing that. What do you mean by eating solenoids?
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They are air solenoids, not intended to have oil in them. When they have to ingest oil, it can soften the seals, make them leak and/or stick, fail. Some of them seem to be OK with it, others die quickly. Don't know what that is about, maybe changes in design over the years, different manufacturers?