Axle shafts in regards to diff locks (1 Viewer)

[schlopecki]

Do I understand correctly that axle shafts differ between cruisers with and without factory lockers?
If so, does it make any difference in terms of availability/price of the shaft?
I've also heard that ARB differential (not locker) is stronger than factory one, is that true?

Cheers

 

[sc40]

i would assume the shafts wiould be about the same avaliability new. used only about 7% of the wreaked ones would have it. Yes the ARB is stronger, and if you do not already have factory lockers, then install ARB.

 

[Boston Mangler]

www.car-part.com

i got my shaft for my elocker swap for like $85 used in awesome condition, very easy website to use!

 

[schlopecki]

Thanks guys.
I'm new to 80 series and I asked about it, just because I'm trying to figure out
whether I should set myself to buy an 80 with factory lockers or without them.
I read posts on this forum and here are my conclusions so far.
Axle shafts seems not to be a significant factor.
Factory lockers are strong, but the diff itself is weaker than ARB/TJM.
At this age/mileage I would probably have to spend some time/money
to rebuild actuators or maybe even buy refurbished ones.
On top of that, truck would possibly be more expensive that a one with no lockers.
If I get lucky and buy cheap an 80 with both working lockers then it's great.
Otherwise I should shoot for an even cheaper 80 without lockers, to compensate
for the cost of putting 2 ARB's/TJM's.

Right/wrong/maybe?

 

[CruisinGA]

it would have to be over $2k cheaper to compensate.. especially if the install is to be done professionally.

ARB prices have risen recently.

Often diff locks are not a factor in the price as the owner does not know what they have.

case in point- got my 80 with 100k miles and factory difflocks for $6500. It would be difficult to find an 80 in the same condition for $4500.

 

[schlopecki]

it would have to be over $2k cheaper to compensate.. especially if the install is to be done professionally.

ARB prices have risen recently.

Often diff locks are not a factor in the price as the owner does not know what they have.

case in point- got my 80 with 100k miles and factory difflocks for $6500. It would be difficult to find an 80 in the same condition for $4500.

Hmmm I see what you mean..., but the factory lockers would have to be
in good condition, otherwise it seems like one could spend $600 a piece for a new one.

BTW, $6500 for 80 with 100k would be like a robbery these days.

 

[Romer]

Mine didn't need a rebuild or any type of serivice other than normal PM of changing fluid. I waited for one with lockers.

 

[locrwln1]

Mine had 97k miles and the lockers worked perfectly. I also held out for one with lockers. If you have the money to put ARB's in right away, then it's not a big deal. However, if the money is going to be tight for a little while, then it may be worth it for you to wait. The only difference between locked or non-locked axle shafts is the rear short side shaft has longer splines.

 

[gnx7]

I called around and it was going to be $2.5K+ for ARB install into my FZJ80. The prices on parts alone are quite a bit.

I found my rig with factory lockers that had never been used by the previous owner and with 130K miles they worked the first time I tried them on the test drive.

I would be patient and wait for one with elockers.

 

[schlopecki]

I will use your advice as I would rather spend that money for other things.