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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Technical Discussion - Performance / Modify => Topic started by: WVzuk on October 24, 2018, 01:23:14 PM

Title: Chinese lockers
Post by: WVzuk on October 24, 2018, 01:23:14 PM
Has anyone here used the Chinese air lockers from alibaba?  I have an ARB in the rear of my Sidekick but I'm about at my terminal upgrade point as far as putting money into it.  I would however be willing to spring for a front air locker for half the price of an ARB. 

Also is it overkill to have front and rear lockers with only 30" tires and a 3" lift? There are definitely times when I wished I had a front locker as well on some steep muddy hills and other sketchy spots.
I'm not going to go bigger with lift and tires because it is so cost inefficient at this point.  To add enough lift and go 32" tires would require re gearing which is mot really an option anymore and I like the way it drives on the road now.  I couldn't deal with any less power because of the hills here. 

Anyway back on point.  What do you think of the Chinese lockers?
Title: Re: Chinese lockers
Post by: Phase change on October 25, 2018, 12:20:24 AM
You should get one and try it for me.  I’m only interested in a front because I plan to LSD the rear.  I don’t believe tire size and locker needs are really related
Title: Re: Chinese lockers
Post by: fordem on October 25, 2018, 10:25:04 AM
Be very careful locking the front on a Suzuki - the aluminum axle housings are quite fragile.

Phasechange - if I remember correctly, you have a second gen with the front diff freewheel clutch welded - I believe fitting a locker to that will require the third member to be replaced with one from a first gen, and you're probably going to have to make hybrid CV axles.
Title: Re: Chinese lockers
Post by: tipover on October 25, 2018, 10:38:09 AM
I have a Chinese air locker in the rear of my electric samurai that I got from China extreme 4x4. Looks the same as an ARB’s new design. I bought it because the constant high torque my motor puts out I was breaking the lock right pins. So I thought I would give it a shot. I’ve done the Rubicon, Barrett lake and other NorCal trails. No problem. Love it.
Title: Re: Chinese lockers
Post by: Zuk-E on October 25, 2018, 11:51:56 AM
I have a Chinese air locker in the rear of my electric samurai that I got from China extreme 4x4. Looks the same as an ARB’s new design.
Probably reversed engineered the ARB and selling the same product.
Title: Re: Chinese lockers
Post by: Phase change on October 26, 2018, 07:58:14 AM
Be very careful locking the front on a Suzuki - the aluminum axle housings are quite fragile.

Phasechange - if I remember correctly, you have a second gen with the front diff freewheel clutch welded - I believe fitting a locker to that will require the third member to be replaced with one from a first gen, and you're probably going to have to make hybrid CV axles.
I have a steel third and center section from a xl7 in mine currently.
Title: Re: Chinese lockers
Post by: Ridjobradi on October 26, 2018, 11:52:57 AM
It is a copy of the ARB locker.  The HF lockers even use the same part numbers.  The installation manual is the same as the ARB manual, but they added HF in a few places.  It even has ARB on the air compressor image shown in the manual.

I purchased an air locker for the front and rear of mine, but haven't had time to install them.  I have spare thirds to install the lockers in.

Probably reversed engineered the ARB and selling the same product.
Title: Re: Chinese lockers
Post by: WVzuk on October 26, 2018, 12:51:14 PM
Sounds like they are decent enough for the price.  I'll give the front one a go.  Plus with the low torque of a Sidekick it should hold up ok.
Title: Re: Chinese lockers
Post by: carolinarigman on December 26, 2018, 07:36:07 PM
Sounds like they are decent enough for the price.  I'll give the front one a go.  Plus with the low torque of a Sidekick it should hold up ok.


Alibaba evidently has a rep in Arizona for a while. They quoted m!r a RB208 for 550 shipped. For 1 unit 26 spline rear.
Title: Re: Chinese lockers
Post by: carolinarigman on January 14, 2019, 08:00:58 PM
Alibaba has a lot of suppliers that quote you prices in competition.
Just be careful, some have free shipping.
If anyone is interested I can get the suppliers name.
Less than 550 shipped! Compressor included.
Lockers with accessories are around 380 shipped.
Doug
Title: Re: Chinese lockers
Post by: fordem on January 15, 2019, 03:04:26 AM
I'd be interested in that name - haven't made up my mind on the locker but they should be able to get snorkels.
Title: Re: Chinese lockers
Post by: carolinarigman on January 19, 2019, 04:33:50 PM
Alibaba suppliers have snorkels too.
I haven't priced them but saw them on the website.
Just go to Alibaba and sign up for an account.
NO credit card info. Most accept paypal.
The threads I've read are correct, the instructions are ARB inside the outer sheet.
I'll find the name of the supplier I used.
Doug