Topic: how to set up diffs

[kletzenklueffer]

I realize that a lot of guys on here are rockcrawlers and set their rigs up as such. So I ask this question with the intended use of my truck in mind. The truck will be used 40% DD, 60% offroad. The 60% breaks down as 70% general trail riding, 15% mud and 15% rocks or hardcore. Reality is I want to build the truck up for maximum reliability, so would take the easier route to some place over a challenging track. However I want to be able to tackle some tought stuff since I might not always be able to avoid it. As of this point I'm geared 4.56 with 3" suspension lift and extended front shock hoops. I'm going to make some shackles for another 1-1.5" lift. I'll run 33" mud tires. My question is , if you had an Aussie locker and an ARB, which would you put where?

I'm thinking the ARB up front and Aussie in the rear, but maybe there are advantages to the ARB out back that I haven't condisered.

This is a question for the future as I don't have either locker right now. The Aussie is just too easy to not have, so I figure I'll have it first and soon. If I end up with an ARB, I'll regear then for 4.88s.

[79coyotefrg]

for what you said you're doing,  i would put the aussie in the front, you could do that as soon as you like, cause its economical.   then later on you can put the ARB in the rear on a weekend,
put the ARB in the rear since  you drive this on the road, if you ever where to tow or carry a load in the back you dont want it locked,

[95toyrunner]

Yeah, either way there's a chance to break a birf but since you're running 33's I don't think that should be huge problem. So, like 79coyotefrg said, I would do put the Aussie up front and the selctable ARB in the rear because you daily drive it. A selectable locker in the rear is going to be better over all for a DD rig. It won't cause tire wear as fast and you can turn it off when it's icy or you're towing.

[89sastoyo]

i agree even know ratcheting lockers are suposed to ratchet on the street they rarely work properly without engaging and its a pain sometimes to drive around town on wet days. The arb would deffinetly be better in the rear

[kletzenklueffer [OP]]

Thanks guys. I'm going to rebuild the front end soon, so I'll just plan to buy the Aussie and install while I have the front end apart. As I think about it, the Aussie up front would be sort of selectable since I either lock the hubs or not. Cool.