I have run the + 12 + bolt+ locker search and the only thing I come up with is the first thread on the page. I am looking to find what options are out there other than the ARB ($800 per axle is a little salty) I have researched the Aussie locker and they don't seem to have anything, PowerBrute advertises for Isuzu but doesn't list one on the web site, and my understanding is powertrax quit mfg them for us. Am I missing anyone? Thanks in advance for your help.

John

Theres ether welding it, Or buying an ARB thats all we have.. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

basically, the short answer is, only the ARB exists... or your welder. Powertrax has never made a locker for the 12-bolt, though there has been some talk about bringing this into reality (see the sticky thread atop this section).


also, remember, there are two distinctly different versions of the 12-bolt. the earlier one and the later one (98+)... but the same above applies to both variations.

-Rob

Thanks guys, I was really hoping for some better news. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" />I have a welder but don't really want to go that route as I have to drive my Amigo quite a bit and seems that would have a pretty negative impact on regular road manners.

John

I love my welded diff <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

PowerTrax used to make a 10 bolt auto locker for us, but they quit making them. You may be able to find one, but i imagine if you could, you might be better off buying the ARB. The powertrax units are rare, and might be more expensive than an ARB.

If you go the ARB route, dont forget about expenses for things like a compressor, and installation (if you have to have it done for you)
HTH,
-J <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

One Bad, how is it on the road though? I saw your shots at Mineral Wells and it looked great there but what about the "double duty" aspect?
Jordan, I thought I had seen something on the 10 bolt, but as usual nothing recently.

John

Its no all that bad on the road. I don't realy notice it anymore. only on turns in a parking lot is when I notice it.

A locked rear is going to be be more apparent in shorter wheelbased, lighter weight, manual transmission vehicles. Such as first gen amigos. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> I would still recommend a welded rear depending on how much traveling you do. It will definately wear out the rear tires quicker, and it will bark the tires in tight turns such as in parking lots. Otherwise, you probably won't know its there. For the 700+ dollars for an ARB though, I think I could afford to replace tires a bit sooner with the welded rear.

One thing people recommending a welded diff for a DD need to consider is that we get a lot of snow up here during the winter. I drove around one snowy winter day with my ARB locked in and let me tell you, it wasn't fun <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> Open diffs are nice in the snow because the 'useless' tire acts as an anchor to keep your truck pointing in one direction. You get both rear tires spinning and rotational torque is much more likely to make the back end try to pass the front... especially in a short wheelbase truck, especially going around turns. IMHO, for a DD 12bolt get an ARB or just leave it open if you live around these parts.