ARB LOCKERS

Lockers (IMHO) are essential equipment for ROCK CRALWERS!  There is no way to crawl wherever you would like to go without them.  You will have to use momentum and that equals breakage.  It is easier to control your vehicle with a locker activated and a slower speed.  That said, there are many different lockers to chose from.  I chose ARB air lockers (RD06) for two reasons.  The first is the drivability of the axle.  Because the ARB is a selectable locker you can turn it off for regular driving.  This allows your axle to work normally most of the time and lock when you need added traction.  This also allows a daily driver to not show as much ware.  The second reason is that the locker (being selectable) allows the truck to perform well in the snow.  Having locked differentials will cause you to plow in snow rather than turn.  This can be avoided by simply turning them off.  It is almost essential to have a selectable locker or limited slip in the front of your truck if you need extra traction.  The ware and drivability of permanently locked front differentials is poor at best.

You are also going to need a quality compressor to go with your ARB’s.  You can use the ARB compressor but it is not good for much more than that.  For a little more you can get a good compressor and use it for all sorts of things.  I chose the VIVAIR for my use.  It is a good heavy duty compressor.  I also mounted an air tank (2 Gal)  under the rear bumper and ran air lines back there.  This is where I mounted the pressure switch.  I decided on a 145 PSI switch so I could keep more air on hand.  I ran a line from there to the inside of the cab where I can hook up an auxiliary air tank (5 Gal) via quick connect.  Finally I ran a line to the front bumper and placed a quick connect so that I can hook up a air line quickly to run air tools or fill tires.  I used a PRV (pressure reducing valve) to take the 145 PSI down to an ARB manageable 95 PSI under the hood.  Therefore any pressure above 95 PSI is regulated back to 95 PSI before reaching the air locker switches.