While changing the gears, I figured I'd put in lockers as well. Question is, should I go with ARB Air Lockers or the Eaton Elockers??

Any big differences or advantages to running one or the other?

 

I'm biased and run ARB's. Went out this past weekend, aired down, wheeled, locked, used my compressor to air back up. The compressor is just a benefit I like. I couldn't say one way or the other regarding the durability/longevity of either.

If you do decide to go ARB's, get braided air lines. Just a little extra insurance over the plastic lines with the kit.

 

Thanks..... Kind of on the fence with what to go with.... Also, was looking at the Detroit lockers... Not real sure what the Detroit Soft Locker is all about...but the price is a little cheaper.

ARB has been my first choice, however, I'll need an air compressor now.
Detroit is my second option to save a little money...just not sure the difference between the soft and not soft lockers.

Then the Eaton Elocker is my other choice....I do like the idea of electric. Just flip a switch and go.
Guess my mind really has been made up all along...

 

What year JK? The 2013+ can't play nice with the auto lockers.

I prefer the Eaton E-Locker over the ARB. No lines to replace, get pulled, seals to leak internally, compressors to fail. Just 12V and get'er done. Should you rip the wires, bite some insulation off, twist together, lock and go.

KISS = Eaton.

ARB got the popularity it enjoys from when the Eaton E-Locker was a weaker 2 pinion design. That is no longer the fact.

 

I have Eaton E-Lockers in the front and rear. They work great easy to install. The wiring can be done by a monkey they make it so easy. One thing they are not meant to be rocked in mud situations. The locker will unlock and relock when put in reverse. You could shear the pins off if you rock your Jeep. Probably the only down side to them. They also mention this in the manual, it will void any warranty claims to Eaton.

 

ARB was popular way before eaton ever made an E locker.
ARB's are very strong and their customer service is excellent.

 

I have Eaton E-Lockers in my 2011 JKU and I love them. I'm a bit biased towards electronic rather than air lockers simply for the fact that you can get air leaks fairly easy in your lines. Not saying that air lockers are temperamental, I just like the peace of mind. I do run a Viair X'treme duty air setup in my JK but mainly for being able to air tires back up and help people on the side of the freeway since I find that 'fun'!

 

I'd be interested in hearing opinions on lockers for my '08 JK 2dr.

I live in a mountainous backwoods area, tight curves along a gorge and the pavement stops a few miles from my cabin; a combination to clay dirt, bullrock and gravel roads the rest of the way. I've been told by some locals that auto-lockers (one guy mentioned Detroit specifically) would be a huge no-no, as they can send you flying down the gorge when you want to turn. I haven't been stuck yet, but I have to keep the road open in winter to my cabin as the Feds and County have been fighting on who will keep the rocks and boulders at bay for the plows. I use a drag as if you use a plow, there are very strict requirements from the Feds for the short amount of paved road, and when the snow gets rotten, it gets interesting even with chains all around especially when the weekend warriors come up with sleds.

I have no issues getting the ARB setup, but would like to explore my options. Any opinions appreciated.

 

Do a Google/Yahoo/Whatever search for "Dynatrac Lockers 101". It used to be hosted here, but was moved for some unspecified political reason. Decent overview of lockers.

But basically, the Detroit is an automatic locker. If the axle has power, it is always working (though it unlocks in turns to allow the outside tire to spin faster). So rear axle, always working. Front, only working when in 4wd. 'Soft' is a more street friendly version of the original locker, I think it unlocks easier for turns than the old design? As far as I know, any JK option will be a soft.

The other two are selectable. Flip a switch and they are working. Otherwise, they act as open diffs. Used to be that the D44 elocker was a 2pin design versus the arb's 4pin, so the arb was the stronger choice. Now, both are 4pin, so many people are moving to the elocker simply to not have to worry about the compressor and air lines. Probably can't go wrong either way.

And depending on your actual use, you might also read a few threads on the Truetrac (also made by Detroit Eaton, same company that makes the Detroit locker and Eaton e-locker). For many of us, this might be by far the best traction device available, especially given the low price.

 

Dont be afraid to go with ARB's. I love when people trash talk them because "they have lines that can get cut", OK, so how does an eaton work? Magic? No, it has a wire, what's the difference? You route your shit right and you wont have any problems. Seals will last forever as long as you dont screw up the installation. Also, in the event that you do manage to break something, parts are extremely easy to come by. You ever try to buy JK rubicon locker parts?

I have one front and rear, they both used to be behind 700HP and 46" tires and they still work great.