lockers/bumper

[Dain Bramage]

build time is getting close...:corn:

but i have two more questions. first: lockers. what to do with the front axle. i was planning on detroits front and rear, but i want something that has good road manners. how are aussie lockers on the road? if i have my hubs dialed in, say because its icy in places, since i dont have a center differential, will that screw with my steering or stress anything?

and now for the bumper question. is it better to buy a bumper from a company like ARB or warn, or will a custom made bumper work just as good? i really like the boxed in bumper that warn makes for the 89-95 toyota pickup, as well as the one ARB makes. i would get the ARB, but the damn thing weighs 110 lbs, and with a winch, it will easily top 200. the warn bumper, obviousely, isnt made for my truck. i was actually thinking of getting the warn anyway, and either modifying the bumper or having someone make new mounting hardware in order to make it fit. has anyone tried this, or does anyone know if its doable? my other option is to have someone make me a bumper. this option appeals to me the most because i can have it made exactly how i want, and i can make it lighter by using thinner metal. so what would you do with these options?

 

[Bunk1]

Build, dont buy. I would say anything but a selectable front locker will give you fits on icy roads with the front locked in. Once youve figured out the quirks its no issue though.

 

[MIG'DHORSE]

yah, build one with proper radiator protection and go with a selectable front.

 

[Dain Bramage]

Build, dont buy. I would say anything but a selectable front locker will give you fits on icy roads with the front locked in. Once youve figured out the quirks its no issue though.

k, so in that case, i will have a bumper made and go with either an air locker or an e-locker. probably an e-locker right now, untill i can figure out how i want to do the air.

 

[slidillon]

I got an Aussie in the front and drive it everyday to work (28 miles) and never notice it. I would not, however, drive it 4WD on icy/snowy roads. That's what the Grand Cherokee is for.

 

[Bunk1]

k, so in that case, i will have a bumper made and go with either an air locker or an e-locker. probably an e-locker right now, untill i can figure out how i want to do the air.

Yer building a toyota right??? Do they make a e-locker for it, Or are ya talking a toyota locker? IMO a arb would be the right way to go for the front of a toy. It saves the birfs as well(if yer a smart driver that is). MINI compressors are cheap.

 

[pokey]

for a road driven rig I would use a ARB. even if you buy their compressor at first you can always sell it if you change to OBA or move it to your tow rig for air. I use one of them for my air springs on the motorhome.

 

[84Toyota4x4]

Toyota E-Lockers can be found in a high pinion, so if you put one of those in, you get the benefit of the high pinion too instead of just ARB'ing the stock housing. Just throwing that out there.

~T.J.

EDIT: Forgot to mention that I think you should just build your own bumper. Like you said, you can make it exactly how you want it. The only one thing I would say however, is to not go with thinner material like you were talking about. Use a fairly good size to keep strength to it, but don't go overboard where you cant weld it, or its gonna weigh 5 tons.