airlockers ARB rd101

[mendy]

Ive been looking up lockers for the front of an 03 EX v8, and found the
ARB RD101 will fit the DANA 30 and I already have a compressor at home

The main question I have is it a pretty straight swap? Give or take axle seals. Im not wanting to change the ratio higher so I should be able to use the same carrier.
Im only running 265/70/R17 general grabber ATs not huge muddies and mainly do twice a month weekend
4wd trips
Can anyone shed some (usefull) light on the fitting subject.

I wont be installing until Feb next year as thats when my deployment ends, plus I saw one for a little over $900 $US, which is far cheaper than what ARB in OZ offer


Cheers

Mendy

 

[Blee1099]

The front axle is not a Dana 30 but a Dana super 30.. There is enough of a difference that the locker may not work. I believe the right one is a RD104 but I'm not certain.

 

[Ronin8002]

This thread has good info on what you want to do. the ARB will replace the carrier:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=317166

The 2002-2005 and 2006-2010 have the same front and rear axles. The housing on the rear axle of the 2006-2010 is a little different but the gears, bearings, etc. are the same between 2002-2010.

 

[mendy]

Ronin
I had a read of that thread prior to posting. Its very good info
Thanks for pointing out its the DANA Super

Either way I want more traction up front so I dont bust a CV on some climbs, as the LSD on the rear does me fine

Also with the RD104 diff Id have to also change axles to 30 spline based on what ive just read.

 

[Ronin8002]

Ronin
I had a read of that thread prior to posting. Its very good info

Ill check my workshop manual to see if there is a listing for the front diff, and speak to my freind at Ford to get more clarification.

Either way I want more traction up front so O dont bust a CV, as the LSD on the rear does me fine

Really what you need to find out from ARB is whether the locker will accept CV axles with the circlips that retain the axles (rather than c-clips). You might also try sending a PM to LynchyWA, I know he bought at least 1 ARB to put in his 3rd gen (can't remember off the top of my head if it was front, rear or both) but he might be able to shed some light on the subject.

As far as durability: I know it's not a direct comparison, but for what its worth I ran an auto locker in my rear diff for over a year on my daily driven 2004 with no CV axle issues. With the ARB in front, the front ones would be locked a much smaller percent of the total driving time of the vehicle, so unless you are running some huge tires or really beating the hell out of it I don't think you would have any issues.

 

[mendy]

Sweet

Il get in contact with Lynchy