Full suspension or ARB locker

The issue is that I can install the suspension myself and save on the cost of all that with exception of the alignment. The locker I will need a shop to install.

Even if I didnt do the rear now it would only cut about $1000 off the total cost. That would only eat into the $2000 price of the locker, compressor, tank, valve, switches, line, etc. Not included in that $2000 is the $1000+ to install the locker.

 

Eaton is the company that makes the TRD e-locker but they do not sell it to the public. The only option for a e-locker or part time locker is an ARB. Other than that I can go with something like a tru-trac or a mechanical locker. If I am going to do it I will go with an ARB.

I think it honestly depends on which I can get the better deal on. Even though money isnt much of an issue I am still always out for the best deal. So it depends on who gets me the best deal for parts. I have 4 quotes out to various places, 2 for suspension and 2 for the locker.

 

IIRC Desert Rat quoted me around
1200ish I think for locker and everything installed

 

I am going with either a Relentless Fab or CBI full wrap bumper and rear tire carrier with a full sized spare so that should weigh it down some. Either way, 3-4" is about what I want.

 

There is no way they quoted you 1200. I would have to see your quote sheet for that, sorry man. I have talked with 3 desert rat shops, 4wp (will not go there, just wanted to know thier price), and an independant 4x4 shop and I am looking at 1500+ for parts alone and been told anywhere from 600-1200 for install.

One big problem is that the normal spots for the ARB compressor to be mounted is being taken up with things like my brake distributor block, my supercharger intercooler reservior, and various other things. So in reality there are only 2 spots avaliable. One is behind my rear seats which I dont want to do, and the other is in one the bed side cubbies which is an option.

 

Pm'd

 

so your being quoted $3k for a locker with install?

 

It was a little more but that was just for the rear, you doing front and rear?

 

I think he is doing front and rear? that would make a lil more sense

 

didnt get it!!!

 

And in the OP you only refer to locker.. not locker(S)....
So you doing both?

 

Nope, only rear locker.
$950 for locker + $260 for compresser + $100 airtank + $150 misc = $1450 total parts + $1000 labor install = $2450 total give or take depending on the shop!!!

 

Suspension.

 

You know my opinion Chas, lockers for now.

 

I say lockers ...

 

dude tell those guys to fuck off for 1000 on labor for the install.

let me know when your ready and i got a guy that can do it for cheaper.

he owns his own truck shop, and hes putting gears front and rear in for 300 install price.


but on to my argument...

yes a locker will make you go more places than suspension, but if you do suspension first and learn to wheel even better than you can now without a locker, imagine how much more you could do when you get a locker. if you become a beast with wheeling without a locker, you will be even more beastly when youn get a locker. but if you get a locker now you will just be a beast. i hope that makes sence...lol

so i vote suspension.

 

Tough call man. Suspension will give you more clearance and keep you from chewing up those fenders even more. A locker will get you alot of places, but your still gonna chew up those fenders. Look at the butcher jones run we did.. I wasn't in 4lo or locked.. and went a lot of places. Not sure if thats thanks to the lift or not.. Lol. Crown king... 4lo and locked.. went a lot of places as well. Easier than before. Im leaning towards lift. Save your fenders and tires, ready for armor, more clearance.

 

locker. you already have new shocks and springs.

 

His is a SPORT... so he doesn't have A-TRAC (if he did, then he wouldn't need lockers and he could do the suspension without having to pick). There is no waiting for A-TRAC more than a second or two. It is TRAC that allows some spin before engaging.

Because it is a SPORT and you want to Off Road, then the rear locker is what will do you the most good. You already have the 4 low trac mod for the front. My '05 and '01 both had a rear locker and open front, and they took me to all the extreme places I wanted to go. You have limited slip in the front, so you should be fine for extreme 4x4.

Now, I have to ask... if you wanted to do serious off roading, why did you buy a Sport... the looks?

Have a good time in your truck!

 

OMG