ARB Compressor

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Joined
Dec 28, 2005
Threads
21
Messages
109
Location
Houston
Where is the best place to mount the compressor for an air locker on the lx? Also, would you recommend the smaller unit than can only actuate the locker or the larger unit that can be used to pump up tires? In addition, how “locked” is the stock front differential? When the center is locked the front must split the power fairly evenly because its hard to turn, i.e. it wont let the inner tire turn slower than the outer. What will be the difference with a locker?....

BTW, I changed my AHC fluid today, wow what a difference. One strong point of AHC is that changing the fluid for $150, or by yourself for $30, is like getting new shocks.
 
Your front diff is not locked in any way when you lock the centre diff, it is an open differential, the transmission binds up on hard surfaces, the front and rear need to rotate the same amount which is the reason it feel tight when turning. If you have a front locker it will really bind on hard surfaces (locking any diff is not recommended on hard surfaces) but you will get the ultimate drive when in the rough or mud.
 
I recently went with the smaller ARB locker only compressor. Mainly because I didn't have room for the larger compressor (I have second battery system, Helton heat exchanger, winch solenoid, aux fuse box in my engine bay).
 
Also, as you have probably read on other threads about Front Locker, the ARB front locker on the 100/470 series strengthens an otherwise weak link of the system and front diff assembly above and beyond the traction benefits of being able to lock the front axles together (the locking difference as I have learned the past few weeks of off-roading is substantial IMO).
 
Ya, the whole reason I’m doing this is because you all scared me into it.
 
I've got the bigger one, the reliability can't be beat (I've had this one for about 15 yrs). I will tell you for airing up tires it's pretty weak. It does the job, but works pretty hard doing it. It takes about 20 minutes to air up my 285's from 18 to 33. I plumbed both sliders (slee steps). Only the square tube on each side and it has enough volume to fill one to 1.5 tires. Helps but not much.

I like mine cause I know its always going to work, I don't mind waiting.

ben
 
Ben, sorry if im reading your post incorrectly, but where did you mount the compressor, and where did place the switch.
 
are you looking for an ARB compressor? i have one that i've had for about 1.5 years. it's only been used a half-dozen times, and really not much when i have been offroad. it's the larger unit, but it's slow to fill up tires - but it can be done. it would be by itself - no pressure switch, on/off switch, harness, etc...

if you're interested, i'd do $120 shipped...
 
Nospell said:
Ben, sorry if im reading your post incorrectly, but where did you mount the compressor, and where did place the switch.

I mounted the compressor on the passenger side inner fender, fits perfect between the slee 2nd battery tray and the air box. I don't know if you can make it fit on an lx due to the ht control stuff over there. the switches are mounted near the factory rear locker switch, one for the front locker and one for the compressor. I can take pic when I get a chance if you want.
 
Thanks for the help ben. i think you are correct in your thought that it wont fit there on the lx because of th AHC. i will figure something out.
 
I put mine (mini compressor) right between th PS headlight & air filterbox...fit great...let me know if you want pics; however the reg compressor is probably to big for this spot(?).
 
Thanks, it looks like i will have to go with the mini compressor.
 
this is where i installed my arb compressor it is between the airbox and the firewall.hope it helps!
 
Last edited:
thanks for the pics, but my AHC system is located there.
 
Nospell,
FWIWTY here's a couple pics where I mounted mine in my LC100 (pardon the dirty engine bay :rolleyes: ). I mounted it directly to the fender using fender washers (ha!) and either 3/4" or 1" spacers to get the compressor off the fender...
ARB Comp 1.webp
ARB Comp 2.webp
 
If your going to use the smaller dedicated locker compressor make sure you mount it flat or with the filter to the top...The filter has breathing holes in it and when mounted with filter down water and mud can and will get in...

Smaller compressor better than larger one imoa...larger one to slow for pumping up tyres...:)
 

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