Rear diff swap

[97Pathfinderman]

Hey everybody i'm thinking about swapping my rear end to something that has an available locker. I was thinking about using a dana 44 or a ford 9". Has anyone done this before?

[XPLORx4]

There is a locking diff already available for the H233B rear. It's not cheap, but it'll probably be easier and cheaper than trying to swap out your entire rear axle. Plus, if you do that, the rear axle ratio won't be the same as the front, which on your 97 SE, is 4.636:1.

 

Here's the locker:

http://store.arbusa.com/ARB-Air-Locker-Nissan-H233b-33-Spline-All-Ratios-RD135-P3523C7.aspx

 

I can't believe how much more expensive the ARB locker is now, compared to when I bought mine in 2001 for $500.

Edited March 23, 2016 by XPLORx4

[97Pathfinderman]

How do you like the ARB? Will it work with an LSD diff?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[XPLORx4]

The ARB locker completely replaces the diff carrier, so with the ARB, it will either be open or locked.

 

Here are some old photos taken during my rear ARB installation:

https://xplorx4.shutterfly.com/189

 

Since I typically go rock-crawling with my Pathy, the locker is awesome.

http://www.blankwhitepage.com/gallery/t4r_slickrock_20120804/IMG_5815

 

I had an ARB locker installed into the front diff case in 2006. (That cost $900.) https://xplorx4.shutterfly.com/216

Edited March 23, 2016 by XPLORx4

[97Pathfinderman]

Would you use the ARB over the lokka in the front?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[XPLORx4]

The Lokka had not been invented yet when I put in my front ARB, and ARB was the only option 10 years ago. Since I already had the rear air locker and compressor, plumbing in the front wasn't difficult.

 

Given the expense of the front ARB, I would probably choose the Lokka today, but only in combination with a locked rear. The risk of using the Lokka without the rear locked is that the front drivetrain will be under more stress than necessary, risking breakage and/or reduced directional control. Most obstacles requiring a locker involve climbing, which puts more weight over the rear. I would estimate that I engage the front locker less than half as frequently as I engage the rear.

[97Pathfinderman]

The Lokka had not been invented yet when I put in my front ARB, and ARB was the only option 10 years ago. Since I already had the rear air locker and compressor, plumbing in the front wasn't difficult.

 

Given the expense of the front ARB, I would probably choose the Lokka today, but only in combination with a locked rear. The risk of using the Lokka without the rear locked is that the front drivetrain will be under more stress than necessary, risking breakage and/or reduced directional control. Most obstacles requiring a locker involve climbing, which puts more weight over the rear. I would estimate that I engage the front locker less than half as frequently as I engage the rear.

So probably my best bet would be to wait and get the ARB rear first then get the lokka. I use my rig for pretty rough trail riding and with open diffs I can't really keep up with the locked guys . I will eventually build a sfd and move to 33's . I think having locks differentials helps more than having more lift. ARB is high as a tree though. Did you put yours in yourself or did you have to take it somewhere?

[hawairish]

XPLORx4 brings up a good points, but getting a front locker first also has some benefits. The IFS is more prone to lifted a tire, so a front locker ensures at least one tire is working at all times. And with loaded rear, a locked front will alleviate some driveline load off the rear, even with a front tire up.

 

My take: if you've got an open rear, consider a rear locker first. If you've got the LSD, consider the front first.

Edited March 24, 2016 by hawairish

[97Pathfinderman]

XPLORx4 brings up a good points, but getting a front locker first also has some benefits. The IFS is more prone to lifted a tire, so a front locker ensures at least one tire is working at all times. And with loaded rear, a locked front will alleviate some driveline load off the rear, even with a front tire up.

 

My take: if you've got an open rear, consider a rear locker first. If you've got the LSD, consider the front first.

I have an LSD in mine. Did you repack the discs so it wouldn't slip as easy? I had heard of people doing this but i don't know how well it works. I really just don't want to fork over $1000 plus for the air locker. If I did both the front and rear ARB locker like XPLORx4I would have over two grand in the diffs alone . I will probably just end up getting the lokka and seeing how it does then go from there. Thanks for the input .

[hawairish]

I did re-pack my LSD, yes. Not terribly difficult just time consuming. I've been pleased with my setup...the few inclines and ruts have gone very smoothly, almost effortless to be honest. Maybe I'm not working it hard enough.

 

If you are in the market, though, I do have a used front ARB sitting around. Debating whether to go full air, or keep the Lokka and go rear E-Locker. I'd rather not mess around with my air setup any more to be honest.

[97Pathfinderman]

I did re-pack my LSD, yes. Not terribly difficult just time consuming. I've been pleased with my setup...the few inclines and ruts have gone very smoothly, almost effortless to be honest. Maybe I'm not working it hard enough.

 

If you are in the market, though, I do have a used front ARB sitting around. Debating whether to go full air, or keep the Lokka and go rear E-Locker. I'd rather not mess around with my air setup any more to be honest.

What would you want for the front ARB and what is the E-Locker? The air setup seems pretty legit but also real complicated but that might just be me .

[hawairish]

ARB classified and Eaton E-Locker

 

I recently finished my compressor install (shown in the first link) and got all the accessories how I want them. But the first phase was pretty annoying...not sure I care to do the next phase for air lockers.