Here is the latest info direct from ARB :


Sales/Customer Service,

We have concluded our investigation of the JK Rubicon and ARB Differential compatibility. We have found no contact issues when fitting the ARB diff cover to an axle here in our shop and have confirmed all necessary dimensions. We used multiple techniques to determine clearance including visual inspection of the locker's solenoid assembly with the cover installed verifying that it continues to "float" as designed providing the needed clearance for operation.

Further, we've learned that the electric version of the Rubicon locker (JK model) is prone to a bearing failure at the solenoid assembly (the differential case must rotate within the solenoid assembly) resulting in a damaged locker, regardless of the diff cover involved. Essentially, the solenoid bearing seizes either completely or partially causing the solenoid assembly to rotate breaking off the black plastic box when it makes contact with hard parts within the axle. Beyond the damage to the plastic piece itself the thin steel retaining bracket will typically show damage and upon teardown the bearing can be confirmed as failed.

If there are any further questions regarding this issue please feel free to contact me. Please forward this email as needed.







Best Regards,

Marc Bowers

Tech Supervisor

Air Locker, Inc.

 

Good to go!

 

I had my ARB dif cover off today and what you have going on has nothing to do with the diff cover. The "Y" looking silver thing should be locked into a grove that has spun around. The electrical connection that is katywumpus is not the sensor but the connection to actuate the locker. The sensor is on the back side of the diff and screws in from the side. The sensor is readily available and only cost 53.00. I know because my sensor is bad and we just ordered one today 7/3 and it will be here on Monday 7/6. There is no possible way for the sensor to contact the cover or for the actuator to contact the cover if it is held in place properly.

My sources contacted ARB and ARB says this whole thing is bogus. ARB says the ONLY problem they have had with JK's was that on 1st generation covers the front track bar could contact the ARB logo.

 

Sp, I am taking them to shop to have 4.88s installed with ARB covers. Do I need to be sure to have a sensor ready when they take it apart? I want to be sure to have everything ready to go.

 

I would say no. I doubt anybody stocks them yet anway as the vehicles are so new. The problem I had with the sensor was that it would indicate tha the diff was locked but when unlocked it did not go out but sat their blinking. It didn't blink until you locked it and then unlocked. We learned this by trial and error. The front works fine. The rear plunger/sensor is very hard to work manually when pulled out and feels like it has grit in it so we are thinking mfg defect. Hopefully the new one will take care of the problem.

The shop I'm dealing with, Barney Brothers in Grand Junction CO, has a whole bunch of JK's runnin around with ARB covers with no problems. I like the ARB covers because of the dipstick which makes it easy to check for water intrusion after driving thru water; and with all the snow we've had and the subsequent snow melt it seems that I'm always driving thru water.

Out of curiousity you mention installing 4.88's. What size tires are you running and are you a stick or auto?

 

Appreciate the feedback. Running 35s with a manual. The 4.10s aren't the same as they used to be prior to the larger tires. I am getting used to them, but don't want to live with them forever.

 

I've got 35's with an auto. If you had an auto I was going to suggest the 5.13's. Given the different OD ratios I think they both end up at the same RPM on the freeway.

And yes, I agree, the 4.10's don't do it with 35's. In fact I don't think 4.10's are the right gears for a stock Rubi with 32's. Jeep should install 4.56's instead.

You'll be happy off road and around town; but above 40-45 MPH there still isn't enough power. I hope to heck Chrysler offers a drop in diesel or somebody comes up with a blower that is affordable, reliable and makes power in the 2000-3500 range.

 

Interesting. I wanted to run ARB's (and do on the front), but the guy I go to for everyting (since he's the best around) advised me against the ARB's on any diff with an electronic locker 9my rear 44). He has had at least two bad experiences. I am going to email a link to this thread to him. He is a thorough guy and acknowledged to be the best for JK's in Phoenix so I'm sure he'll be interested. In the meantime I'm thinking about a Great Lake cover.

 

No problems yet with mine. Should have never read this post..

 

wondering if more front or more rear sensors breaking?

also for jk'ers with front or rear sensor busted and arb covers did shop check out your other end to make sure gears were installed correctly?

if your front sensor busted is your rear sensor in line to bust next?