Arb Lockers in HZJ73 - yes or no?

[petermac]

Just bought myself a 1991/2 JDM HZJ73V with 92K on the dial and a 4B auction rating from KK Trading with the aid of Louis at Adventure Imports (highly recommended). Arrives sometime mid March. Doesn't have factory lockers, so I'm debating whether or not I should install ARB Air Lockers, and if so, whether it makes sense to go front or rear only to save a bit of cash. Also wondering about regearing in the event that I do go with the lockers. Is it recommended? The truck is going to be a daily driver and a weekend wheeler. Running 33" (summer) and 30" (winter) tires. No lift, factory suspension. I'll be installing an ARB Bull Bar with a Warn 8274 and a Safari snorkel.

Pics at the following link for any one interested:

http://www.kktrading-aurora.com/LANDCRUISER_HZJ73_2591.htm

(sorry, she is sold)

Any opinions on the lockers?

Any suggestions on what else might be done to the truck?

I'm also not sure whether I'll need to install a 24V-12V converter. I'm told I can run a 12V CD player without one. Any insight? I've been following the Solar Converter thread and I wonder if that might be the way to go?

Any opinions or advice welcome!

Thanks,

Peter

 

[roscoFJ73]

Cetainly looks good.
As for the lockers ,being a daily driver and weekend wheeler do you think you will really need them?
I would look at getting the suspension to articulate a little better to keep the drive wheels on the ground.

Ive found the 4.11 gearing adequate with 33 inch tyres.
If anything since installing the 1HZ in my FJ73 the gearing seems too low in the top end,it must be the torque

Get the winch so you dont get stuck and drive it for a while before any big cash outlays.
If you do get lockers ,get the air lockers rather then trying to conjure up almost non existant factory lockers on the used market.

If it was my cruiser I would be buying a beater to smash up on the hard trails and keep the 73 as a pampered pet

I am so jealous of that F$%#@#$ suspension seat

 

[beanz2]

Wow, nice rig. Congrats.

I would first get the tires I would like to ultimately use on the vehicle first. It would be a shame to replace the gear to realize later the gearing is not what you like when you run the bigger tires. Put the meats on, and drive it for a bit and see if you like it first.

As far as lockers go, the ARB is a good choice, but also consider getting complete factory locked axles. Guys like G&S can sell you a pair of 24V locked axles and you can still sell your axles to offset the cost. Does ARB make a 24V compressor?

Dave

 

[Dave]

As far as lockers go, the ARB is a good choice, but also consider getting complete factory locked axles. Guys like G&S can sell you a pair of 24V locked axles and you can still sell your axles to offset the cost. Does ARB make a 24V compressor?
Dave

Yes they do. I have one, along with a FF 70 rear axle with an ARB in it.

But if you can afford it by all means get a set of Toyota 24 volt lockers and pop them in.

 

[Stone]

Yup...24V air lockers available here in Canada at most ARB dealers. One cool thing about having ARB air lockers is the ability to modify the compressor to also pump up tires on the trails.

Norm (bj70guy) runs air locker(s) in his BJ70, and has had no issues so far (at least that I've heard).

 

[White Shark]

If you install the ARB's, the front locker will only function after the rear locker has been engaged, if wired properly. This is for safety reasons. The rear locker alone will get you out of 99% of the problems you will ever encounter. The front locker will cause you to lose virtually all of your steering and is typically used in the really soupy stuff just to get you rolling, usually in a straight line.

I have dual ARB's in my 80, but I rarely use the front unit. The rear unit is usually more than adequate, and I maintain my steering as a result. The front locker will usually only be needed in the event of mud bogging, rock crawling, icy conditions, or bottomless snow drifts. For those situations, a lift and bigger tires would often be cheaper than a front locker. As for icy conditions, you might be better off, staying off the road until road conditions improve.

If that were my 70 and I used it as a daily driver, I'd install the rear locker and leave the front alone, or install a cheap limited slip like a Tru-Trac in the front.


Good luck. Nice looking rig!

 

[Stone]

If you install the ARB's, the front locker will only function after the rear locker has been engaged, if wired properly. This is for safety reasons.

Good luck. Nice looking rig!

This works the same way with the factory cable lockers.

 

[Tapage]

I have dual ARB's in my 80, but I rarely use the front unit. The rear unit is usually more than adequate, and I maintain my steering as a result. The front locker will usually only be needed in the event of mud bogging, rock crawling, icy conditions, or bottomless snow drifts. For those situations, a lift and bigger tires would often be cheaper than a front locker. As for icy conditions, you might be better off, staying off the road until road conditions improve.

The same opinion .. One rear locker is good and funtion fine in your aplication. DD and weekend rig .. fine, I thought you are not gonna do nothing extreme .. not yet

Mint TLC .

 

[mjohn7]

Nice looking truck. If you plan to run a 12v CD or 12v outlet, you will need a convertor (solar or otherbrand) as the truck runs on 24V. If it is not the factory radio in the truck there maty be a convertor alreadty in the truck. Saw one last month with a convertor in the glove box.

What was the price at port ? (fraser wharves )