Differential Lockers! ARB vs Yukon vs Detroit vs Spool

Lincoln locker, Spool, Lunch box locker, ARB, OX, Yukon, Eaton, Detroit. So many options for off-road traction. Today, I want to distill this down to something a little more manageable for those of you that are new to the off-road world. I'm give you a combination of facts and opinion to help give you a little more confidence in choosing what will work best for your 4x4. Enjoy the video!
Big thank you to Laurie Christine Photography for the awesome thumbnail!

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Due to factors out of the control of Dirt Lifestyle, we cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Dirt Lifestyle assumes no liability or responsibility for property damages or injury incurred as a result of any information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Dirt Lifestyle recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and/or with tools seen in this video. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Dirt Lifestyle. Be safe!
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#offroad #4x4 #mud

[IanGoegebuer]

There's a lot of "this is my opinion" and unlike almost all other locker comparison videos there was no "this locker is trash". Your opinion boiled down to "they all do something different, find one you like and use it". A very good and informative video!

[Casey]

You know your an offroad addict when something that keeps you up at night is wondering if metal shavings will collect on the electromagnet on lockers lol :D

[mikehancho]

My god dude you were meant for this YT stuff. Simple straight to the point with a production quality better than some of the bigger offroad names on YT. Hats off to you man. I am digging the content.

[marklowe]

Love my Detroit's. They are both over 25 years old and still working.

[piperproductionsinc.]

A good friend of mine ran the manual ox locker for years. Never had any issues. He wheeled that thing hard. Hes snapped ring and pinnions and chromoly axle shafts and the locker held up. Then again he's also a mountain biker and knows how to set up cables.

[houseofhug]

I had an Ox Locker for 10 years in a D60 front end. Never had an issue hammered it every summer Moab / Colorado / New Mexico.

[Creekbreezy]

Watching this I could almost smell the gear oil lol

[jamesngotts]

I run E-lockers front and rear on my rig and in general I like them. The only two downsides to an E-Locker is rotation to engage and having an electric wire which is relatively exposed to water and mud at the diff pumpkin. I’ve not had the wire fail but I figure it’s a matter time if you go threw wet terrain. Engagement rotation just forces you to plan ahead and engage your lockers before you hit an obstacle otherwise you’ll have to back up, engage and re-approach. If you engage once you’re stuck you risk a bit of stress on the axle when one tire is spinning and the other isn’t when suddenly the rotation is complete and both shafts lock. Always best to lock when stopped and get the engagement with both tires rotating at the same rpm

[SWBCrawler]

I kind of love that you have so many carriers just laying around for your examples.... I HAVE WANTED TO TRY AN OX FOR YEARS!! all like, "ARBS OR NOTHING". That settles it. When I lock up the LJ, im getting OX. For the same reasons you listed, the cable seems like such a simple straightforward solution. I've thought so for years. Thanks for the video man. Great stuff.

[GorillaCookies]

I have OX lockers front and rear and have never had a single issue. They have been awesome and the the positive lock and unlock at the moving of a lever is the best part.

[c.shoefish]

I have dual manual cable lockers in mine. You hit the nail on the head, only issues you're ever going to see is something with adjustment. I've had them for years and never a single issue...after adjusted right.

[Revnahead]

Running a Lokka in the rear of my XJ sitting on 33s and an auto. DD with 400-500miles a week on pavement and this performs real well. Off-road - my little XJ impresses everyone watching. I'm happy and I'm not broke.

[boeconover]

I like how your stating the facts about the lockers and saying in my experience and not just saying only one locker is good and the rest are trash.

[paulbarbour]

This may be the best and simplest breakdowns I have seen of varying types of diffs and lockers. Well done friend.

[the.murrball]

4 years with Ox, Air actuated lockers front & rear in my XJ... never any issues and no seals to fail, ever


wont be dissapointed if you ever pick one up

[ophirb]

I had an OX locker, once it was adjusted correctly, I had no issues with it. The cable actuate the locker with a spring so if the cog gear is not aligned with the side gear, it will not cause a problem, and once the wheel is aligned, the spring load snap the gear and lock the diff. Worked very well.

[rz]

I just recently got back into a Wrangler about 2 months ago and can’t stop watching off-roading videos (both yours and other channels). I just started my build (which will unfortunately be used for the street most of the time) but am always learning about off-roading. Despite not using my Jeep how you use yours, and not being very mechanically inclined, I appreciate the fact you know your shit inside and out and take the time to explain a lot of things to people like myself who aren’t very skilled when it comes to mechanics. Keep up the good work and keep the vids coming 👍🏼

[jeep_freek]

I have an OX in my LJ. I opted for 35 spline. Moly shafts and trussed with a Tri-4. Wanted to keep it as strong as possible while keeping it narrow as I could without having to build a set of narrowed 60's (no time). I absolutely love it. Customer service is top notch and and the drive away lock made it for me.

[phillippearce]

I really like the benefits of the Ox locker. I can't wait to see you do an install. Great job👍

[thegmanfromsf]

Great video. However I think it would've been also good to discuss the different lockers pros/cons for a steering axle and also how having locking hubs can affect locker selection. Some thoughts for another video 😊