Looking for opinions on locker options for the front of my cruiser. ARB probably the best all around, but its spendy. If you use a locker that you have to unlock a hub why not just lincoln lock?

I would agree that ARB would probably be the best (also means most expensive).

After that it really becomes a matter of $$$.
Welding will be the cheapest but steering could be more difficult.

With a detroit ($$$) you get great durability but also have the problem with steering as it probably would never unlock.

I'm going to put my 8 year old lockrite in the front cause it unlocks nicely now. It isn't worn out...it's just worn in <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> .

There are some other new lockers that look sort of like lockrites but I have no experience with them.
I was a little intrigued by one of them cause it looked like a lockrite but had no teeth. Can't remember the name of it though.

First off Welcome Newbie <IMG SRC="smilies/thefinger.gif" border="0">, second, if you put a lock right or Detroit in the front, it will unlock itself allowing for some semblance of steering.

You Lincoln Lock the front and it will never let go, even if you unlock the hub on one side. It is a beating and I would not recommend it!

For the longest life to your Birfields, ARB is the way to go. Save yuor $$ and do it right the first time.

I have a lock rite in the front of mine and it doesn't bother me. I haven't needed to unluck a hub yet. Up till now it was easier to had a couple of more points to the turn.

nice, cheap and you don't get the lock right effects on the road.

arndog

I've got a used rear FJ80 electric locking diff in the front axle of my FJ55, and it works fine.

http://www.birfield.com/~morgan/tech/elec_locking_diff.jpg

Wiring was pretty easy, just an on-on switch, an LED, two two-circuit relays and some wire and connectors. I got the diff complete for $600, new from Toyota the entire diff, housing and locker is about $900 with TLCA discount.

Works fine.

morgan

MORGAN!!

Where's the write-up on that!!??.... <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

...electric locccckeerrr....(in my best Homer S. drool impression).... <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

www.Ih8mud.com (http://www.Ih8mud.com) has a writup on installing an electric locker in a '55. Would be the same for a 40 too.

Has anyone checked out the Downey off road kit that converts that to a cable locker? Just wondering. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

thanks for the info. just read about a command locker sounds like it would have been pretty cool. think I might check out the toyota locker, wonder if you can get one from overseas that direct fits in a 40?

Ya, I was the one who pulled rocks back in the con. I hate stackin' at least have the courtesy to throw them out.

Definately go with a selectable locker (either ARB or Toyota electric). I have ARB's in my FJ40 and electric lockers in my 4Runner. I have driven trucks with lock-rites and detroits up front - they sucked IMHO. If ya don't want selectable for some reason - go with an Auburn.

Save your pennies and go with the best the first time - you won't regret it.

WELD IT. <IMG SRC="smilies/bounce.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/bounce2.gif" border="0">