Hi all,

I want to get a rear locker on my 2gen(95) 4Runner. I decided to get the ARB (I think ).
Now I need to find a shop to install it. It would be nice to find a place that has a good reputation, i.e. is known to install ARB's without problems in a Toyota.

Anybody have any recommendations for the San Diego area (north county prefered)?

Disclaimer: used the blinking search button, but did not come up with an answer.

 

I haven't used any shops in the area other than the dealership myself. There's Offroad Warehouse in San Marcos and across the freeway from them is 4Wheelparts. I'm sure either will charge you quite a bit. Sorry I'm not much help.

 

I know theres a shop on 101 in Oceanside that does off road mods, not really familiar with them though. Like Darx said, theres ORW and 4WheelParts in San Marcos. The'll get the job done well, but thell cost you a bit.
I was thinking of getting an ARB in the rear too, but I'd rather save the cash and get a Detroit Soft Locker. Marc P has thoroughly convinced me, especially after seeing it put to the test on Sunday. If you have the cash, go with the ARB. And you might want to get a better compressor for airing up tires since the ARB is pretty slow.
Hope to see you out on the trails.
Josh

 

MIT Drivetrain Specialists
1112 Pioneer Way, El Cajon, CA
92020, 619/579-7727, fax 619/579-2307

They're not in North county, east county actually, but they are highly regarded. I know quite a few serious wheelers who swear buy their work. I've also seen their work featured in alot of 4x4 mags. If I get any drivetrain work done, it will be here. I wouldn't trust the other shops mentioned, they can barely order bolt on parts, how can you trust them with something this important($$$)?

 

Not commenting on these guys 'cause I don't know their work but just wanted to share that for a moment I thought you were saying that "they are highly retarded"

 

I wouldnt let ORW or 4WP touch my truck with a 10 foot pole. That is as bad as letting PG Series lift your truck--on the other hand I am not sure who to suggest. MIT does have a good reputation, and after the install we can take you up hanglider hill or Carveacre to test it out.

What about that Toy place up in Miramar? Do they do custom work?

 

That's precisely why I ask here. I know it's a lot of money to put the locker in, but I want it done right. It's supposed to be an improvement to the truck, not a liablilty!
I've not heared much about ORW, but my neighbor told me about his body lift install and how they forgot to put half of the bolts on... These shops might be more geared to appearance mods.

I'll give these MIT guys a call.

Meanwhile I talked to ProTrux up here in San Marcos, where I had my springs, IFS brace and manual hubs done. They don't do lockers, but recommended ProGear down in Kearney mesa I think.

I saw some of you plan an outing in Anza Borrego in March. Might be good opportunity to meet some of you.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

MIT wants $275 for the install.
ProGear wants $500

That's quite a difference there!
The prices do not include the compressor install, but I wanted to do that with a friend anyway.
Price for the locker is about $690 and ARB compressor kit around $235.

Now I got to use that search button to find out if there are better locker prices and compressors that work with ARB and their prices.
I know it's a pain to answer the same stuff over and over in forums, but if any you have some links I should check out I'd appreciate.

 

Don't know about prices on that equipment but a lot of people here suggest a better air compressor since the ARB one is smaller, mostly meant for the lockers and mild duty work. Not sure what you'd use yours for but if you are going to want to run a bunch of stuff like air tools you might want something a bit more industrial.

Searching on air compressorsshould get you a lot of info as it gets discussed fwequently enough, especially the ARB compressor for the lockers.

 

I hear the old Caddy air compressors are strong enough to run the lockers - you can find those online for $35 or something like that.

I haven't had much luck with the local scrapyards ($75-$325) but maybe you'll be better off.

 

How much of the work are you willing to do? If you drop off your diff, the ARB can be installed for $200 or so. $275 sounds like the price for just dropping off the diff - that would be a really good deal if it is the price for dropping off the truck.

Pretty much any compressor can run the air locker. What you get depends on what you want to use it for. If you just want to run the lockers and maybe air up the tires once in a while (and you're not running huge tires), then the ARB compressor is a good deal because it's compact, has an integrated tank, and comes with a slick wiring harness and all the necessary switches (dash switch and pressure switch). If you want more flow, then consider Viair, Quickair, Extremair, and alltheotherairs. Prices range from $250 on up for these units. Caddy compressors will run the lockers, but I hear they are very slow.

I ended up spending around $310 for my viar450, tank, switches, and misc fittings. The set-up has been working great so far.