I am currently building up my front axle and cant decide whether a ox or arb. With the arb I have to buy the tank and connections. On board air sounds nice, but dont really need it. Had OX in an old CJ and worked great. Need input. Cost effective does matter as well.

 

you only need to buy a $130 compressor for the ARB to work it comes with all the connections.

I am not a fan of OX .

David

 

I would consider the Eaton ELocker (not to be confused with the Auburn Ected). It's a great product and feedback has been fantastic. If your choice is simply between ARB and OX, go ARB. You can consider the ARB an air source but it's not great as an on-board air system. Even the 'new' compressor is slow compared to other purpose-built systems.

I like the concept and strength of OX but it's slower to engage (or disengage) than the other options. None of the guys I run with still have OX. Those that once had them have all since changed to other selectables.

 

ARB

As Dave said, you can run it from their small compressor. And depending on where you install it, you will also need a mounting bracket.

Or, you can get the larger arb compressor that will also inflate your tires. Northridge sells a full kit with compressor/inflation kit/bracket for a great price.

If you choose a Non-ARB compressor, that is when you will need to add an air tank and the kit to plug it in to the locker. (this may be the cheaper course, if you already have a decent compressor)

 

Is the Eaton relatively close to the detroit easy locker. I have had bad experiences with the easy locker.

 

It is a selectable that is as strong as an ARB, but it is electric activation instead of air. Note that the recommendation is for the front 30. The rear 44 elocker is not as strong as an equivalent arb.

 

I talked with Dave at northridge about the ARB with the larger compressor and I am pretty much sold on it. Just wanted to get input before I pull the trigger. Its a large investment with sleeves, gussets and chromolly shafts.

 

I had both in my XJ and would have to say go with the ARB. I had issues with the OX cable adjustment. While I know many people who have had good luck with the OX, I know several more who run ARB's with no issues.

 

I went with the ARB lockers front and rear with sleeves, gussets, upgraded shafts, and new gearing. It was a significant investment, but doing it all at once saved a lot of labor cost. You might also want to install the compressor yourself as it's relatively simple.

Micah

 

ARB here and love it!

many people mount the compressor under the hood, but if you can find another spot, that will cut down on the compressor overheating, not saying it's an issue, but the potential is greater under the hood.