Gears and lockers, have you done them?

whats your experience like since you got them?


I had 4.88's and ARB lockers put in the front and rear.

In 4wd and locked its amazing, everything feels tight and normal, power is crisp. In 2wd I get a clunk when I feather the throttle. Like there's too much play in the shaft. The installer said its prob the spider gears on the rear locker being too loose and when I called arb, they said to Lock the rear and if it goes away its prob the locker. I did this and it does get better but now im on the hook for the labor cost of doing the rear again.


it can shift pretty hard when breaking and you can tell its just not smooth in the rear diff.


such a bummer.....

has anyone else experienced anything like this? could it be a simple fix?

 

It sounds like someone messed up during the installation. Installing the diffs isn't a simple thing, it's a complex procedure and there's a lot to mess up on. I'd talk to the company who installed them, and ask them.

 

The company that installed them should fix it if they are a reputable company. Did they not offer any warranty?

 

ARB sent out a new Locker. I might be on the hook for new gears... and I think the installer will help me on install. but when we drove it he said it felt normal to him to have some play in the gears.... So if he tries to charge me I might take it somewhere else to make sure its done correctly

 

Did you not go to East Coast gear supply?

 

I got all my stuff from Nitro and had a local guy install them. He has done a ton of diffs so its really frustrating.

I should have just got the 3rd assembled and done it myself

 

This is what my money is on. Works fine, work on it, no longer works fine..... it's usually who touched it.

 

If it is the locker, it ain't the installers fault and he's right to charge you.

 

Where are you located? For some reason I thought you were in Los Angeles area. I know of a 4x4 rear end shop in the El Segundo/Hawthorne area that is reputable and has done good work for me in the past if you need a reference.

 

I don’t see why you feel the gears need to be replaced? Provided the issue is with the locker the gears should be fine. Add to that you might be lucky and only have to remove the ring gear and install it on the new locker. Pinion MAY not need to be adjusted provided backlash and pattern are within normal.

Shitty deal and yes the second install charge sucks but shit happens. If you are lucky your local shop may cut you a break on the second install but remember a loaf of bread costs the same for you as them. Let the man make a decent wage just like you.

 

Im in the southbay.. redondo beach

 

Frank at Southbay 4x4 took care of me in the past. Is this where you went? Www.Southbay4x4.com

 

Thats where I took it. He knows what he is doing and I doubt he messed up (although) its possible... either way I have to get the rear end going. Yotamasters in carona sounds like a great shop but they are so far away... theres not really anyone who specializes in toyota down where I am.