Point me in the forward direction

I have saved my hard earned money, and I want to spend it wisely. I have a 07 TRD Sport 4x4 dc lb v6. It comes with a mechanical lsd in the rear. I would like to put something selectable up front, so I can go back to an open diff for my daily driver. I called West Coast Differential here in Sacramento and asked them what my options were. They said the only option was ARB. They quoted me a price around $1700.

Any other options? Elocker?

I read that you want a competent shop to install your ARB system. Does anyone know shops that specialize in ARB around the Sacramento area?

I wouldn’t know what a good install job would consist of. Is there something you guys would recommend, like types of air lines or specific compressor ect… tips or things to avoid on the installation?

Is there a website that offers the best price on the complete ARB setup, and I can just pay for labor? (if at all, you agree that ARB is the only or yet best choice)

My truck is completely stock, what is the gear ratio I would need, and what is the part number for the locker.

I don’t know anything about what I should get for my money, I just know that its quite a big upgrade for my pocket book, I would like it done correctly the first time. So Im asking you.

Thanks for taking the time to read this, replies are appreciated!

Thanks
James

 

Why do you want a front locker at all? What do you plan on using it for?

 

I could very well be wrong, but for some reason, I recollect hearing/reading that a front locker on stock/independent suspension can cause damage on 05+ Taco's. A solid front axle conversion... now that's another story. If only I had the money

 

What do you mean damage?? Im thinking of also putting a lift like 2.5" or so. Im looking at Icon with Camburg ball joint UCA, and like1.5" lift in the rear with 5100s, but im also thinking about OME or Toytec and saving a $900 so I can get me a rifle.

Im wont be rock crawling, pretty hill climb and added traction for mud.

Damage? Could someone explain please?

 

I think JanBoothius was thinking of a mechanical locker. Like a aussie locker or lock-right.

The basic issue is the stress you add to the front end components when the locker is engaged and your wheels can't slip. Not really an issue with a selectable locker.

Your guy was right, not a lot of options other then ARB for a selectable. My brother does a good amount of wheelin' with his jeep buddies. He says the ARB compressors aren't very good quality. Might want to think about a different compressor for the air if you want to do an ARB.

These are for 4runners, but should be helpful to you as well.
http://forum.ih8mud.com/girls-garage/161500-anyone-installed-front-locker-4runner.html
http://www.yotatech.com/f31/lock-rite-lockers-93881/
http://forum.ih8mud.com/95-gen-toyota-trucks/254629-trutrac-lockrite-e-locker-97-4runner-abs.html

 

Leadgolem, thats just the kind of info I needed on the compressor, thanks I appreciate that.


I would of thought Toyotas elocker would of been an option, but no biggie.


Is there anything you arb guys would change out in the factory kit? i.e lines brackets ect... that is a better way to start off? I know arb has been around for quite some time, I figure there is a best way to set things up or should I say a preffered way.

I belive my gear ration in 3.73. but im not positive.


Going with ARB is kind of easy, being the only choice. The hard one is which 3" coil over lift... so many choices... I think I would be happy with 5100 in the rear and possibly AAL

thanks from a consumer!

 

Just to make sure you realize. The 5100 rear shocks do not provide any lift. More travel in the shock yes, but no lift.

Best is a whole replacement leaf pack. A good replacement leaf pack with ride great, and add load capacity to the bed. A whole new leaf pack is also going to be pretty durable on the trail. The down side here is that they are really expensive.

Block lifts ride badly, and are more likely to break on a trail then any other kind of lift. They need a touch more maintenance. You need to check them periodically, to make sure that the block hasn't deformed and resulted in a loose u-bolt. Under hard usage, you also want to make sure they haven't started cracking. They are cheap and easy to install though.

AAL's ride stiffer then stock, but not excessively so. They also adds some load capacity to the bed. A little more expensive then a block, but not by a huge margin. Also, a little more difficult to install then a block, but not by all that much.

For your desired lift height I'd do a 1.5" AAL on the rear. When first installed a 1.5 aal is usually a 2" lift. It's also a little on the stiff side. After the new leaf is broken in, it usually settles close to the stated 1.5" of lift. It also softens out, so it's only a little stiffer then stock.

 

Thanks again. The hard decision is what front coil over lift to go with.

Whats the better 1.5" AAL. I do have the tow package, and I wouldnt want to take away from my carring/towing capacity.