ARB Ford 10.25 Full Float Air Locker

[mike.germann]

Thanks! Great info, man. I really like reading about how this stuff works. Especially since I'm the only one in my immediate workplace who has a big truck. I like being able to explain my equipment to people who ask about it, so this is really helpful!

So, in your opinion, Detroit is the way to go? Besides ARB air lockers, I've also looked into the Eaton locker.

Anyone running either of these?

 

[TexasA&M]

Yes, in my opinion, I would go with the Detroit. You'll probably end up spending only about half as much on the Detroit than you would on an ARB, and it's more reliable.

Detroit is actually made by Eaton. Check out this site for some decent info -

Detroit Locker Differentials

 

[mike.germann]

Ok, Aggie-man:

Another question. What's the difference between 'full-float' and the other types of lockers?

 

[TexasA&M]

The term 'full floater' refers to the design of the entire axle, not the locker. Typically, 3/4 ton and up trucks have full floating rear ends. This means that the rear end uses a hub and bearing attachment for the wheels (very similar to the front end). The axle shaft slides in the diff on one end, and attaches to the hub on the other end. The wheel is then attached to the hub. All of the weight of the truck is on the wheel bearings, hub and spindle.

On a semi floating axle, the axle shaft slides into the diff on one end, but has a large flange on the other end and the wheel attaches directly to the shaft. The shaft rides on either roller bearings or ball bearings that are located inside the axle tube. All of the weight of the truck is on the axle bearings and shaft. Typically, anything 1/2 ton and lighter (jeeps, mini trucks, etc) have semi floating rear ends.

This article goes into a little more depth and has some pros and cons (full floaters are always heavier duty than an equivalent sized semi floater) -

Rear Axle Semi-Floating and Full-Floating - Off-Road Magazine