OX Locker ?

[jonlowe]

I am looking for some real world experience from those who have run an OX locker. I am debating between installing an OX or ARB in my front end. I have a 99 XJ with a Dana 30. Please let me know your thoughts on the OX and pros and cons of each. Thanks!

 

[Tacoma]

I'd be more concerned with that D30.

 

[Tjjeepjunkie]

I have run ARB and OX and i am still running the OX. I loved the ARB but to many problems with seals air and electrical. The Ox you just run a cable out and adjust it and call it good awesome product.

 

[jonlowe]

Thanks for the reply! Have you had any recurring adjustment issues?

 

[Tjjeepjunkie]

The cable will stretch a little and might need an adjustment every once in a great while but its way easy. I get a really good price on OX so let me know if you are interested.

 

[waynehartwig]

OX lockers stink, and yes, I'll sell them if you demand it. Every single one I have seen on the trail has never worked since install, according to their owners. Supposedly they redesigned them, but I saw a new one at the U4WDA event and that guy's wasn't working either - second time out!

Now I have heard of two people that actually run them, like them. So the score is now 100's to 2. Go with ARB and you won't be sorry....

Talk to Moabrangler (I think is his name on here). He had an OX and now runs two ARB's. He has a 27 spline D30 ARB that he might want to get rid of (he runs the 30 spline ARB).

OX and Cable $825
ARB and compressor $880

So the price isn't much of a difference....

 

[mbryson]

I've tried to fix a few Ox lockers on the trail. I'm not a fan.

 

[jonlowe]

I've tried to fix a few Ox lockers on the trail. I'm not a fan.

What was it that required fixing?

 

[mbryson]

What was it that required fixing?

I'm not 100% sure. We never got it fixed on the one (TJ D30), and after that I kind of washed my hands of them on the trail (one of them was a reverse cut D44, the other an XJ D30). It seemed like a cable issue, but we were too stupid to get it adjusted right? It was kind of an early unit, TJs were still pretty new on the trail then.

I've ran (and run with a lot of folk that run) ARBs and have had better luck with them than what I've run across folk on the trail with Ox. I've helped fix one ARB on the trail (bad solenoid) vs. the 3 Ox's. I don't have much trail time with the Ox's and have trail time EVERY time I go out with an ARB. That's not good math for the Ox.


It sounds like Jake's had decent luck with them. He uses his junk like you never will. If you get it dialed in like he has, it will probably serve you well.

 

[1993yj]

If you get the ARB set up right to begin with, you won't have the problems that you hear about from people who don't like them.

 

[George]

I have a lot of direct experience with Ox's, ARB's, and DIRECTLY working with both company headquarters over issues that our readers have encountered. The problems are not with either product, but too often the person installing them.

ARB's: Repeatedly the problem withe ARB's is that they are not installed properly. Specifically, per ARB themselves, the locker should be installed using a case spreader. When this is not done the ARB can flex enough under load to lose its seal but will operate fine in a parking lot. We have experienced this problem ourselves in reviewing the ARB's which is how we first learned how critical the install is.

Ox's: Here the problem is too often with reading and following cable installation directions. The instructions specifically tell you to attach the cable and turn it in a certain number of threads. If this is not done as the instructions state the locker will not engage properly. The second problem I encounter with the cables is routing, or the wrong length of cable. In either situation the shortness of the cable, due to routing/binding or length, will under articulation pull enough on the cable to disengage the locker.

The OX locker was redesigned and appeared again after a short hiatus. When it reappeared the locker was stronger than the ARB with its four spider gear design. The case is a bit heavier as well.

So in my opinion either locker is a great locker. The difference is in durability of the engagement systems. A cable is obviously much sturdier than an airline. The ARB needs maintenance of seals, primarily the lolli-pop. The Ox is virtually maintenance free. Some have had to do a minor adjustment of their cables, I have not since installation of my Ox 4-5 years ago.

To date I have crushed my OX cable/cable housing in my coils numerous times with no damage and currently the cable is chewed through to the internal cable due to my own stupidity. However, the cable still works flawlessly. Try any of that with an airline.

A problem seen with both, but the ARB is affected more, is the install of either product with a Super 35 kit. Some D35 axles need some grinding done for proper oil flow at the axle tubes. When this is not done the ARB gets cooked and will not operate properly. This causes an air leak into the housing and the blowing of oil out the breather tube.

My personal preference is the OX locker due to no maintenance, heavier construction, and no waiting for an air compressor to pump it up (although for most this is not an issue).

Regardless of which locker you choose the issue will not be with the products but with the install.

 

[mbryson]

..........
A problem seen with both, but the ARB is affected more, is the install of either product with a Super 35 kit. Some D35 axles need some grinding done for proper oil flow at the axle tubes. When this is not done the ARB gets cooked and will not operate properly. This causes an air leak into the housing and the blowing of oil out the breather tube...........

........and this is a problem? Why do people continue to pour money into that pile of shhhit axle?

 

[George]

........and this is a problem? Why do people continue to pour money into that pile of shhhit axle?

Because contrary to incorrect propaganda that everyone NEEDS D60's+, 40"+ tires, and needs to be (man I hate this BS word) EXTREME, a Super 35 will do just fine for the greater majority of those wheeling. However most people's wallets exceed the need of their wheeling hardware.

This kind of mentality drives away too many young Jeepers just getting started who have the ridiculous idea they can't wheel their rig because someone has told them, or they read it on a forum, that they need all of the previously stated stuff.

 

[mbryson]

Because contrary to incorrect propaganda that everyone NEEDS D60's+, 40"+ tires, and needs to be (man I hate this BS word) EXTREME, a Super 35 will do just fine for the greater majority of those wheeling. However most people's wallets exceed the need of their wheeling hardware.

This kind of mentality drives away too many young Jeepers just getting started who have the ridiculous idea they can't wheel their rig because someone has told them, or they read it on a forum, that they needs all of the previously stated stuff.

I ran one for about 3 years with up to 33" tires. The most I spent was for diff fluid. I still wouldn't put more than the $10 for gear oil in it. Mine was pretty good to me, but I didn't lock it up. I've seen a TON of issues on other rigs on the trail, though. Enough that I started carrying a whole housing for spare parts on the tongue of my tent trailer (nice tongue weight, honestly). If I got another Jeep with one, I'd find some spare parts and keep my eye peeled for a replacement as soon as I could find one. (spending the absolute LEAST amount of $$$ I could on the D35 in the meantime---the housing sucks, the axleshafts suck----but I'm a bad ass because I bought a 14 bolt for the cost of set of spare shafts for the D35)


My wife has one in her ZJ. It's been through 3 or 4 pinion seals now. One about every 20K. It's a pile, IMHO.

 

[George]

I'm not saying the D35 or Super 35 is right for every person. What I am saying is it is right for some people and too many that are bashing it are merely regurgitating what they have read.

 

[mbryson]

I'm not saying the D35 or Super 35 is right for every person. What I am saying is it is right for some people and too many that are bashing it are merely regurgitating what they have read.

Personally, I'd caution anyone against putting ANY money into the D35. Gear oil is as much as I think should be spent. There's a ton of other options that are better. I'd run an 8.8 locked. I'd run an XJ 8.25. I'd run a D44 with a locker. All of those are pretty readily available for whatever chassis you have the D35 in. You don't even lose your wheel/tire investment.

Wheel with the D35, but I'd NEVER put the $$$ for an OX or ARB into one. A lockrite is too much to spend on a D35, IMHO. That'll probably stress it to it's breaking point anyway. While wheeling the D35, keep your eyes/ears open for a better axle and some help to swap it in.

 

[George]

I'd run an 8.8 locked. I'd run an XJ 8.25. I'd run a D44 with a locker. Both of those are pretty readily available for whatever chassis you have the D35 in.

But they are not available everywhere for everyone. Or they don't have access to someone to do fabrication.

I would agree those other axles, with the exception of the 8.25, are preferable when doing and upgrade, but sometimes you have to work with what you have.

 

[moabrangler]

lockers

I've had both an prefer the ARB. PM sent to you

 

[Tacoma]

sometimes you have to work with what you have.

Well.... when you're talking XJ axles, that is DEFINITELY true-- you'll be working with what you've got alright....

 

[rondo]

A pal of mine had the OX on his D30 swapped into his suzuki samurai. He hated it; always had issues trying to get it in and out of engagement. That's about the extent of my OX knowledge but you asked.

I've run ARBs on my Fronty now since 02' and my experience is mixed. Usually reliable but i've experienced a melted air line (replaced it and for the life of my i can't explain how or why it melted, being protected in the frame and all) and it hasn't happened since. Also for a while the rear axle would lock and not unlock (I would have to unscrew the line to let the pressure off), then it fixed itself, and many times the compressor would run and run and run off and on, as opposed to building pressure and turning off once like it's supposed to.

That said i'm not a big fan of ARBs anymore. I love Detroit lockers; no maintenance, all good.

Not sure i want to get into the D35 D30 debate. I've seen enough of them wasted (including mine when my YJ was stock) that i'd never own them again-ever. Concur on the 8.25...that's a POS too. I also don't think the 8.8 is worth the $ either. damn i'm opinionated

George is a good dude, and a dare i say talented off road driver; i can see how he could keep axles alive. My only thing is I always want to try harder and harder obstacles, harder and harder trails, and push my abilities and rigs abilities beyond what i'm ready for. That's why my YJ junker now sports a cage and D60s with bigger rubbers. My only regret is not going to D60s in the first place. My neighbor is a great guy, with a lightly built TJ. After hanging with me and busting up his poor POS on Pritchett canyon, he's now going straight from D30s to D60s. It's a punch in the wallet and face, but worth it for rockcrawlers.

Back to topic; i went with spools for my junker YJ because of cost and simplicity; but to be honest if i'd heard more good things about the OX i wouldn't mind having it in the front. Fact is i just haven't heard good things about them.