Good Shop To Install ARB Front Locker, South Bay?

I'm thinking of having an ARB front locker installed and wanted to know if anyone has some recommendations for good shops. This seems like a fairly complicated, time-consuming job for a weekend garage attempt, unless someone has done it with good sucess.

Anyone?

 

Someone's got to have info on this...anyone, someone....

 

The first question I have is why are you thinking of getting a front locker? I can't see you on a trail where front lockers would be needed. I've ran plenty of trails around here with a open front diff that I don't see you taking your truck on. No offence but front lockers = trails that cause body damage. I would buy a bunch of armor before you get a front locker.

 

x2
hit the nail right on the head, when your rig looks like a crushed beer can then its time for front locker lol im getting there.

 

I'm looking into it because my front diff bearings are shot and guess what, dealer is not covering it. Guess what again, they don't sell just the friggin bearings. No, you've got to replace the whole diff!! Toyota quoted me $3100 to replace it, and from what I've read, the problem might just return. The ARB has better bearings and bushings and should last longer even with the excessive axle angles, at least that's what I understand. Correct me if I'm wrong.

So, you're correct. I don't need a front locker. But it'll cost me less than a factory diff with a likelihood that the bearings will go bad again vs. ARB which should last longer.

Or maybe just replace with an aftermarket open diff, remove the lift, and not run the chance of recurrent diff bearings, axles, CV boot and joint problems and funky, annoying VSC ABS activation when driving 20mph on frwy onramps.

 

Sounds like its a great time for a S.A.S.

 

South bay san diego?

 

My bad i thought i was in the so cal thread! Bye

 

hold off on everything!!!! Chase from East Coast Gear Supply is working on a solution for the bearings and especially the weak bushing..here is what he is working on..

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...l-bearing-vibration-thread-4.html#post4240041

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...l-bearing-vibration-thread-4.html#post4302808

 

but to answer you original question..you can send everything down to Marlin Crawler which is in Fresno.

or you can go with the number one person for the install which is Chase from East Coast Gear Supply but he's in NC so you woul have to ship it to him but will worth it!!


removing and installing the front diff is fairly easy, you can do it yourself..installing the ARB..thats something that should be left for the experts haha

 

Yeah, I've been following the thread with Chase's videos. I hesitate on his bushing because it's experimental, not proven on/off road yet. He's still looking for a truck to install it on and put miles on. Then I'd have to send it in. I can't have downtime since it's my DD. Downtime, labor to install/remove, costs to ship back and forth. All for an experimental design and material. At least the ARB is proven with already.

Now I'm thinking, even with an ARB I still have the steep angles on the axles, which leads to potential CV problems. Oh no! To keep a lift maybe an RCD kit is in order. This kit allows for straight axle angles. BUT the minimum lift is 4" and....Ouch, yet another $1900 plus install costs and time. And then I still might have driveline issues!! Oh, and I'd have to cut the crossmember. There goes the factory frame warranty!

Hmm, maybe better forgo the whole lift idea instead, this is getting expensive and more headaches

 

oh i hear ya..it all adds up, one thing affects the other and so forth..

one thing about Chase is he IS the world renowned gear and differential man..so he knows his stuff! the down time sucks, i know all about that!

i would skip any drop bracket lifts, especially just to maintain CV angles. there are plenty of peeps here on TW with a good quality mid travel kit that dont have any problems with the CV's. and a few with the ARB in the front as well. and those that do are only having problems with the boots. it's a rare occurrence that you'll hear that someone broke a 05+ CV joint. All Pro Off Road sells CV boots that are awesome! i have not had any problems with ripped are torn boots with their version.

just a little something to take into consideration.

 

Ok, well maybe those AP boots would be in order if/when mine blow. But still the downtime would get expensive in itself. I'd have to rent a car. after a few days rental, that adds up $$$$$.

 

contact George at SWAT Customs in Fremont. i've dealt with him before and he does good work

 

Are you talking the needle bearings? Because that's not that bad we have done those at my mod days and its way less then a ARB that you would never use.

 

Yeah, after talking with Chase at ECGS I'm going to wait. His new bearing might be the answer-all. And you're right, Jerry, I'll break out the mountain bike before I use that locker on a trail. Plus the $$$$ of said ARB, yikes! That's a new bike frame right there

When I do get the new parts, I could use help with install. Next mod day?


George @ SWAT. Doesn't he do lifts only? Or is he a do-it-all shop?

 

^^ good question. he did all my suspension work on my past rides, so as far as that, hes good. for what you need, you might need to give him a call and ask him

 

Get with Jeff at Toy Connections in Santa Clara. He did my lockers and others I know.

 

Great. What did that cost, if I may ask?

 

Superior 4Wheel Drive in San Jose. Troy does good work and more importantly, stands behind the work he does. He was also reasonably priced too.