Unitrax in Anaheim, CA was recommended by someone. I don't have any experience with them. They quoted me $305 per axle and $235 for the compressor, hoses and wiring. That's $845 total to install front and rear ARB lockers. All the other quotes I got were around $1200. Has anyone had any experience with them? They don't carry ARB. But, they said they have installed them numerous times.

http://www.gounitrax.com/

Hmmm . . . . I thought I was putting this in Offroad Tech :pat:

 

awsome and so close.....but what lockers do they carry

 

Here's their parts page:

http://www.gounitrax.com/UNITRAX/pages/products.html

I recognize Detroit and Auburn. I got my ARB through the TRDParts group buy on Yotatech!

 

I got my arb rear installed at T&J. The socal ttora said they're the best and swear by them. They're definitely not cheap but it's one part I didn't want to skimp on since the installation is the key on whether or not you'll get stuck on the trails or not.

It's one of those installation-beware deals so I just decided to fork up the $$.

T&J in Orange. They're near the 57/5/22 area.

Good luck

 

how much did it run you to install the rear ARB Lance?

I've got one sitting @ my house waiting to get installed locally in PHX...just curious what I am lookin at spending.

I figure the compressor cant be all that hard to install, just need the ARB installed in the front.

 

Westy- I hear ZUK in Phx is good, I think he charges 200 if you bring the third to him. I think the website is gearinstall.com lemme check....

 

http://www.gearinstalls.com/

this is the AZ guy

 

I've heard that too! What are the installation pitfalls? I was figuring that a place that specialized in diffs wouldn't have a problem. Is there something unique about ARB that requires expertise beyond what a place like Unitrax would have? I agree, I'd rather not skimp if it means avoiding problems down the line . . . although I wouldn't mind paying less for the same job because of the specialization by a place like Unitrax. Maybe they can do a better job due to their specialization. I was hoping someone might have had some experience with them.

Thanks!

 

Wow! Thanks!!

 

ARB is much different than other lockers since there is a copper air line that must enter the dif to actuate the locker. This copper line has to be routed carefully so that it does not come in contact with all the moving parts inside the dif. A common failure due to improper install is the gears inside the dif rub the air line and over time wear through it. No air = no locker.

 

Great information! I checked the ARB website and couldn't find any installation or tech information other than a parts list. I think I'll open up one of the boxes and read the install instructions. I wonder if ARB has put out any thing in writing that includes the things you guys are mentioning.

Thanks!

 

Whew! I got home and looked through the installation instructions. I didn't see any reference to the things that were mentioned about "pitfalls." I did see a reference to the training that is provided to ARB distributors. I also noticed the degree of expertise that is required to install this product. So, now I need to find an ARB distributor that also has a great rep for working on diffs. Hmmmm . . . .

 

Unitrax is a good place. One of my club member had work done to his jeep... I think the jeep guys knows about them more.

 

Snorkeldepth,

Who did you wind up going with, and would you recomend them?

I need to find someone in the same area.

Thanks

Rob

 

I'm still waiting for Downey to ship my headers! I liked what the guys at T&J had to say. They're not cheap though. I also talked to Chris at Rock Tech Offroad. He's going to put the new engine in my truck. He's an ARB dealer and knows how to install them the right way. I asked him to write up a quote so that maybe I can get everything done at once. Sorry, no feedback yet.

 

Wow, dual ARB's, new engine, headers. Someone's having a nice Christmas!!

 

Shhhh! Don't tell my wife. She's convinced that the Hobart 180 is my Christmas present!! She didn't even blink at my Sawzall purchase the other night. She's the best! But then, the sawzall was for "remodeling the bedroom to give her more closet space". So, . . . . . hmmmm. I loved it when she said she could use it to prune the trees and cut firewood!

 

Now she's a keeper!!

 

Thanks for the response. My buddy uses T&J for his Jeep, he recomends them. I spoke to them and might use them, they weren't cheap but they weren't outragous.

 

They have a great shop and obviously a lot of experience. I'm sure you'd get what you pay for with them. Let me know if you get your lockers installed before I do! Otherwise, I'll keep you posted.