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ARB RD 157 Installation on Rubicon - Anyone done it yet?

Old Jun 8, 2010 | 06:02 PM
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Default ARB RD 157 Installation on Rubicon - Anyone done it yet?

Has anyone installed the new ARB Lockers (part number RD 157) on a JK Rubicon and if so any installation issues? Is there a way to tell the on board computer that the eLockers are no more or do you just unplug them? If you simply unplug them do the indicator lights on the dash keep blinking or turn off for good? I realize they haven't been out long but was wondering if anyone has tried this yet.
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Old Sep 13, 2010 | 07:41 PM
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Originally Posted by JKChuck
Has anyone installed the new ARB Lockers (part number RD 157) on a JK Rubicon and if so any installation issues? Is there a way to tell the on board computer that the eLockers are no more or do you just unplug them? If you simply unplug them do the indicator lights on the dash keep blinking or turn off for good? I realize they haven't been out long but was wondering if anyone has tried this yet.
I can't believe no one has attempted this yet. One more try at a response. Bump to the top.
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Old Sep 13, 2010 | 08:03 PM
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We have sold a bunch of the 157's and they install great . Just unplug the Elockers and use the ARB switch . Call me if you have any questions

David
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Old Sep 13, 2010 | 08:42 PM
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Call me stupid, but why would Rubicon owners ditch their factory e-lockers? Are yours broken?

Sorry, just curious.
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Old Sep 13, 2010 | 08:47 PM
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Originally Posted by jwhitehorn
Call me stupid, but why would Rubicon owners ditch their factory e-lockers? Are yours broken?

Sorry, just curious.
some people do not like the electric stuff. i for one, if i had a ruby, would have ripped out the elockers and replaced with arb, personal preference for me
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Old Sep 13, 2010 | 09:37 PM
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lockers are lockers...... if they aren't broke, why switch
just curious
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Old Sep 13, 2010 | 09:51 PM
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Originally Posted by fitzb
lockers are lockers...... if they aren't broke, why switch
just curious
lockers arent lockers. each brand is different. arb is waayyyy stronger than the stock elocker. also, look at how many electronic and electrical problems there are on the jk. if the electronic switch locks in place, thats going to make for a pretty hard ride home from the trail. arb is just compressed air, it requires pressure to engage and release of pressure to disengage. sure all brands have strengths and weaknesses. an ox locker just a manual push/pull cable, very reliable.

on some things ,why wait for something to break, if your locker breaks inside the diff, there is potential to wipe out the entire diff including the ring, pinion, axel splines, etc...
now some people are fine wth the factory elocker and will never have problems, but if you are going to wheel a lot and get hard wth your jeep, a lot of people are going to say upgrade

personal preference, i'd rather have air line problems or compressor that i can fix on the trail than have the electronic sensor inside the differential short out
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Old Sep 13, 2010 | 09:56 PM
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also:

not all lockers are rated to be able to handle larger tires. some lockers are only rated to work with the stock size tires.
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Old Sep 14, 2010 | 08:03 PM
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Originally Posted by jwhitehorn
Call me stupid, but why would Rubicon owners ditch their factory e-lockers? Are yours broken?

Sorry, just curious.
When I initially posted this I was having an issue with my eLockers as a result of an inexperienced mechanic regearing my jeep. He screwed the entire assembly. The assembly alone was $960, which he agreed to pay for.

Apparently the stock eLockers are a little temperamental. After several trips back to the installer the rear locker got stuck in the locked position. Driving around town with your lockers locked was not ideal.

The Rubi lockers can only be locked if you are in 4low and the stars and planets must be aligned properly for the lockers to engage or disengage. In other words, you may drive several feet before they actually lock or unlock, especially if you are attempting to unlock on uneven terrain. The ARB lockers can be locked in 4high and its my understanding that they pretty much lock.unlock on demand. If you switch to the ARB lockers you can also upgrade to a 35 spline axle.

Ultimately, I elected to replace the assemble with the same stock eLocker. Some days I question that decision. I was talked in to it by the mechanic at the dealership who told me that I may experience issues with the computer later if I used the ARB lockers. I realize he was biased. I sometimes question the decision not to install the ARB lockers and 35 spline axles. But at the time it was a substantial difference in cost.
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Old Sep 14, 2010 | 08:11 PM
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Originally Posted by JKChuck
When I initially posted this I was having an issue with my eLockers as a result of an inexperienced mechanic regearing my jeep. He screwed the entire assembly. The assembly alone was $960, which he agreed to pay for.

Apparently the stock eLockers are a little temperamental. After several trips back to the installer the rear locker got stuck in the locked position. Driving around town with your lockers locked was not ideal.

The Rubi lockers can only be locked if you are in 4low and the stars and planets must be aligned properly for the lockers to engage or disengage. In other words, you may drive several feet before they actually lock or unlock, especially if you are attempting to unlock on uneven terrain. The ARB lockers can be locked in 4high and its my understanding that they pretty much lock.unlock on demand. If you switch to the ARB lockers you can also upgrade to a 35 spline axle.

Ultimately, I elected to replace the assemble with the same stock eLocker. Some days I question that decision. I was talked in to it by the mechanic at the dealership who told me that I may experience issues with the computer later if I used the ARB lockers. I realize he was biased. I sometimes question the decision not to install the ARB lockers and 35 spline axles. But at the time it was a substantial difference in cost.
Thank you, that makes a lot of sense.

I am sorry to hear about your problems, but I am glad to hear that you got everything sorted out. I, personally, think you made the right decision to stick with the factory e-locker.
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