To lock or not to lock.... that is the question!

I have been wanting to get 4.88 gears in my 2016 TRD OR DCLB since I upgraded to 275/70R17 tires. I was just informed by Mule outfitters in Issaquah that they are running a 20% off special when I have them add a traction aid...lockers. I feel like the front locker is a no brainer... ARB locker installed for 400 more than gears lone. 2600 total. Before pulling the trigger I have 3 questions.


1) will this front locker effect the crawl control functionality? I know that the crawl control controls the wheel spin in some way. Adding a locker seems like it would override that. Maybe the solution is not using the crawl control and the front locker at the same time?

2) should I consider swapping out the rear elocker for an ARB air locker? It would be like an additional 700 to add this rear locker now. If I decide to do it later it would be around 1500 with parts and labor. I just don't know if I "need " it. I could use that 700 towards a winch, which may be the better choice...I'm already looking At front bumpers

3) is there a market for a used rear elocker? Would people be willing to buy it, this would help me to recoup some of the cost.... maybe between 300 and 500?

 

Anyone have any input on this?

 

I don't know about the front locker and crawl control, that's a fair question hopefully someone else can chime in on. But I wouldn't spend the money replacing the e-locker...they work just fine. Some people argue ARB's are superior, even if that's true I don't think it warrants pulling out a perfectly good e-locker just to have an air activated one. But that's just me, if you have the money to do it and really want matching front/rear lockers then why not.

If 3rd gens are like 1st/2nd gens, then the e-locker 3rd member is a different size than the open diff 3rd member. So anyone wanting to buy your e-locker off of you would have to already have an e-locker diff, or they're going to have to swap out their 3rd member for one that the e-locker would fit into. Unless I'm mistaken but I'm fairly positive that's how it would have to work, they couldn't just buy the TRD e-locker and put it in their non-TRD OR diff.

 

1) crawl control is just fancy braking so in theory it should not interfere with a front locker, that said, if you need a front locker you dont need crawl control. It will interfere with the traction control but if you are locked, you likely wont be losing traction...

2) Adding an ARB locker to the rear would be a benefit in that you you would be able to use it anytime. The factory locker is under warranty however..something to consider.

3) There is, but not sure how big it is. When my OEM locker goes, an ARB will go in its place. Maybe in 5 years when warranties are gone people will be looking for them as cheap replacements but thats a ways out.

EDIT: If it was me I would just do the front locker and keep OEM rear. It works fine and having a separate system may also be a benefit. Imagine your compressor goes out, you still have an electronic locker in the rear.

 

No disrespect, but if you have to ask whether you need a front locker ...you don't. At least not right now.
But if you anticipate doing some really intense trails that would actually require a front locker a few years down the road, then it definitely makes a ton of sense to add it at the same time as the gears.

Also, are you really saying that they're only going to charge you $400 more for the locker itself AND install??
Cause if so, that sounds like one amazing deal.

 

A front locker seems like a good idea until you start totaling up all the other stuff you'll need to upgrade, because a front locker will break a lot of stuff on an IFS truck.

Frankly, most situations that truly NEED a front locker really need a solid axle with lots of articulation, preferably mounted to a full rollcage.

 

Thanks guys, I don't think I'm going to install the rear ARB locker. It feels like good time to do it cause it will save some money in the long run but I don't need it. I'm going to save the money and put it towards a front bumper and winch.


I am going to install the front locker.... although I don't "need" the locker it's too good of a deal to pass up. I wouldn't spend $900 (parts alone) or $1500 (parts + labor) to have one installed. However I am willing to do it at this discounted rate.....$2200 for 4.88 gears alone or $2600 for gears and front locker. That is the price after the 20% off discount..... this is a deal that I cannot pass up. I look at it like I'm Future proofing my truck.... I don't need it today, but as my skill increases my truck will be ready to take me to more challenging locations.