So I have finally decided that I can't take 3.21 and 35's anymore. I have been checking around Charlotte at several shops and I am a bit suprised at how high the cost of a regear and rear locker are being quoted. I know its much cheaper out West but I didn't think it was going to be that much higher here in NC.

I have a 2007 2Dr X 3.8L manual with 35 KM2's (33.5"). This is my DD and sees a decent amount of highway time so I am leaning towards 4.56. I would like to put a locker in the rear while it is all open, especially since I am headed out to MOAB next year for the 50th anniversary!!! I want a selectable locker and already know I cannot afford an ARB.

Here is a breakdown from several local shops, let me know what you guys think. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Shop #1
Front & Rear Parts: $775 (does not include new carrier)
Front Labor: $340
Rear Labor: $680
Eaton Locker: $895
Total: $2995.81

Shop #2
Front & Rear Parts: $824 (plus 95 for new carrier)
Front Labor: $320
Rear Labor: $520
Eaton Locker: $1100
Total: $3095.06

Shop #3
Front & Rear Parts: $785 (plus 75 for new carrier)
Front Labor: $380
Rear Labor: $475
OX Locker+ Cable & Shifter: $1065
Total: $3009.02

 

Why do you think that? The locker + compressor are $1040 on quadratec. Seems to be right in line with what two of those quotes are charging for the other lockers. But yeah, now that Eaton has redesigned their e-locker, I'd probably go that route instead of air.

Or maybe just suck it up for another year, then swing by one of the $1000 regear shops on your way to moab.

 

Any idea how much extra the $1000 regear shops charge to add lockers to it? Obviously the cost of the lockers and then how much labor on top?

 

I think many shops charge roughly the same labor rate. Pull the carrier - then put the old gears in a new carrier/locker, or new gears in the old carrier/locker, or new gears in a new carrier/locker. Should be about the same amount of time.

The extra charge should just depend on the specific traction device. For truetracs, you might need a machine shop to drill the holes out. For selectables, there may be extra charges for installing the switch, running the air/electric/cable lines. Maybe installing the air source. Depends on what all is being done, but don't expect a huge charge for this.

 

You'd save money just swapping in a set of Rubicon axles and then you can sell yours. Also, an axle swap is as easy as installing a lift kit, so no labor charge. You should be able to pull it off for a net cost of $2k or less.

And those prices are insane.

 

I have just under 2400 dollars in front and rear truetracs, Yukon 4.56 gears, and f/r Motive master install kits with Timken bearings; including installation.

Not trying to talk you out of an air or E locker, but the TT will get you through just about anything that full locker will. I've had zero issues, in fact, i'll never own another air or e locker after having TT. They have always locked up when I needed them to, 100% of the time.

With that said, I got my items installed locally here in Florence, SC for 900 labor at DunRite automotive. They have a guy that does them all the time, and they provide a good warranty on the labor. Dropped off and had my Jeep back in a couple days.

I picked my TT up off summit racing, both the front and the rear. They were the cheapest, and of course free shipping. I think I paid something like 850 or so shipped.

Motive install kits I picked up from knowwheretojeep.com. They were 100 bucks each, which was with bearings.

Lastly, morris 4x4 price matched the Yukon gears that Northridge has/had in a gear/install kit combo. They subtracted the price of the install kits and sold me the gears dirt cheap. I don't remember the price, but it was under 400 bucks shipped.

Don't give up and keep looking.

 

Thanks for the advice guys, the shops that I talked to aren't to fond of me sourcing the parts elseware but there is just such a HUGE markup I am going to speak with them again. One shop quoted me $1100 for the ELocker and as yall know quadratec has it for $850 with $70 rebate. As far as ARB I would have to add several hundred more to the already high quotes. I debated the Truetracs but have researched and would rather go with the single locker. Anyone have recommendations around the Charlotte area of where else to check?

 

Well if you find a good shop, you can bring them the Quadratec catalogue and sit down with them and put together a package deal. A combination of parts and service should allow for a better deal. A little mark up is acceptable but some shops get greedy.

If a shop is not willing to work with you on parts prices, walk away. You want a complete "out the door" quote on paper, before they order the parts.

 

Verify the warranty restrictions at each shop for customer supplied parts. Locally, I found that some won't warranty their labor. Some will only warranty labor with me doing the legwork on the locker/gear suppliers. And some are more customer friendly and will help with the suppliers as well.

 

My point. $1100 shipped. 2012 JKU Rubicon Dana 44 Rear with Extras + DS - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum. Just needs gears. Sell your rear. Then you also don't need a compressor. You can buy a new front Rubicon axle for under $2k with whatever gear ratio you want. I personally know 5 people who have bought axles from the guy in OH selling new ones for that price.

You also get all new parts in the front (ball joints, hubs, etc). You also have stronger front inner axle shafts and stronger rear axle shafts (more splines), and a D44 front axle.

So, $3k for axles already loaded with lockers. Sell yours for $1000-$1200. Grab a buddy and swap the axles (takes half a day). Then find a shop that will regear the rear. Should be a max of $750. So, all in, $2750 after selling your axles.

I happen to know the guy selling the rear. We have a bad ass drivetrain shop in our area who could do the gears for you before the guy sends it out. I'm guessing it would be under $700 out the door. Actually, they charge about $300 for labor, so probably even less than that.