Alright, I have done lots of research and reading of different forums on this topic, and there is a lot. I am looking of doing some upgrades to my jeep. I am new CA outside of Big Bear so there is plenty of sweet rocky trails, came from the VA mud. I have a 2010 JKU lifted on 35” tires, armor front and rear bumpers, and winch on the front, so quite a bit of weight. Currently running stock gears and open diff.

I am looking to re-gear and install lockers. Also, since I’m not looking to drop the money on a new front axel I may sleave and gusset the Dana 30 upfront. (I know I will hear shit on that, give me the money or get over it, lol)

Here is my plan, Yukon 4.88 gears and selectable lockers, but the biggest question is what lockers, OX cable, Eaton ELocker, or ARB air locker. They all seem to have positive and negative aspects. I like the push button over the manual cable lever, as I don't really have room for them (if you have cable, show me your setup in the JK).

Let me know all your thoughts and ideas.

 

If you’re set on keeping the d30 and dropping the money on it then I’d go with a truss over a sleeve. A sleeve isn’t going to stop your axles from bending since the bend doesn’t typically occur on the axle tube but more at the c’s. So I’d truss it and add c gussets. As far as the lockers go, arb is a good option since you’ll have to add a compressor if you don’t already have one. Adding a compressor is nice so you have air on hand when you air tires back up.

 

The onboard air compressor is nice, but I have a 12v air compressor I already carry. My biggest worry with the ARB is the risk of leaks.

 

I haven’t ever had arb’s so I can’t speak from personal experience. However, the guys i wheel with that have them have never said anything bad about them. They say the arb locker is reliable, fast locking and unlocking, and super strong.

 

I got air lockers back before the E-locker redesign (2-pin to 4-pin). I would go with E-lockers now - similar strength, no air lines. Though depending on your actual use, a pair of Truetracs could be a good choice.

 

A big difference between Eaton and ARB lockers is allowable speed of engagement. Because Eaton uses a magnet for engagement, speed to engage is limited to 3-5 mph (and they WILL void the warranty). ARB can be at any speed as long as wheel speed is similar on both sides.