*LET ME BE CLEAR*
I have ZERO interest in what you personally think about China or the characteristics of Chinese production. This is not a thread to rant about how you get what you pay for or your predictions about how a certain product will perform UNLESS you have direct personal experience with it.
With that out of the way, let me give you some background:
I have a HPD30 front and 8.8 rear- locker options are somewhat limited in the rear (also have LSD). What follows is my research into Chinese made air lockers which appear to be based from ARBs 2nd gen locker. Below I have divided my initial findings into what I believe are critical and supportive perspectives on the device. Please compare the dates of these posts as well, as I think that is helpful to make the most sense:
Critical
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/newbie-general-4x4-discussion/1063689-chinese-air-locker.html
http://www.offroadexpress.kiwi/Forums/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=30464
http://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/arb-imitation-air-lockers.605682/
Support
http://www.offroadexpress.kiwi/Forums/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=16613
http://www.offroadexpress.kiwi/Forums/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=39806
http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content?topic=119345.0
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?6071-chinese-locker-update
http://www.clubxterra.org/forums/archive/index.php/t-38009.html
http://marudu4x4.com/arb-air-lockers/chinese-air-locker-copy-of-rd166-arb/
http://www.xjtalk.com/showthread.php?t=5649
Other
http://www.offroadexpress.kiwi/Forums/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=11695&start=30
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/55620-Chinese-Air-Locker
http://www.patrol4x4.com/forum/engine-drivetrain-55/chinese-air-locker-81717/
https://www.dragtimes.com/video-viewer.php?v=a8kUrWHSrQM&feature
From ARB
http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=19548.0
*IF* you decide this is for you, please continue!
I have contacted several Chinese manufacturers and so far the best quote I've received is $480 for the locker, compressor, switches, wiring, air lines; shipping to US $156- total $636. They currently produce 20-30 different applications but unfortunately do not cover my 8.8. When I asked if it were possible for them to do so, I was told they would need a commitment of 15 orders in order to develop the 31 spline 8.8 locker. Also, if you wanted a locker without the compressor, I was told to take off $40. They are interested and willing to give us a group discount with 10 or more units and would be between 2-5% discount or greater depending on the quantity ordered and shipping would also be reduced (at least getting into the US).
Again, this is not the thread to express your opinions about the political, economic or ethical situations with China or Chinese manufacturing processes. We have an entire forum to do that: please start your own thread.
Otherwise, feel free to post your interest, relevant questions or direct personal experiences with these products. If you wish to remain anonymous, PM me and no one else will be the wiser. I am volunteering to be the point person with this and will do what I can to help facilitate and try and meet everyone's interests.
*BOTTOM LINE*
Do your research to understand the risks as much as possible. My Jeep funds are finite as decreed by my 'accountant' and this seems to be the best compromise I can make for the kind of wheeling I do. If you find yourself in a similar situation, let's try and make this happen!
I have ZERO interest in what you personally think about China or the characteristics of Chinese production. This is not a thread to rant about how you get what you pay for or your predictions about how a certain product will perform UNLESS you have direct personal experience with it.
With that out of the way, let me give you some background:
I have a HPD30 front and 8.8 rear- locker options are somewhat limited in the rear (also have LSD). What follows is my research into Chinese made air lockers which appear to be based from ARBs 2nd gen locker. Below I have divided my initial findings into what I believe are critical and supportive perspectives on the device. Please compare the dates of these posts as well, as I think that is helpful to make the most sense:
Critical
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/newbie-general-4x4-discussion/1063689-chinese-air-locker.html
http://www.offroadexpress.kiwi/Forums/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=30464
http://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/arb-imitation-air-lockers.605682/
Support
http://www.offroadexpress.kiwi/Forums/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=16613
http://www.offroadexpress.kiwi/Forums/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=39806
http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content?topic=119345.0
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?6071-chinese-locker-update
http://www.clubxterra.org/forums/archive/index.php/t-38009.html
http://marudu4x4.com/arb-air-lockers/chinese-air-locker-copy-of-rd166-arb/
http://www.xjtalk.com/showthread.php?t=5649
Other
http://www.offroadexpress.kiwi/Forums/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=11695&start=30
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/55620-Chinese-Air-Locker
http://www.patrol4x4.com/forum/engine-drivetrain-55/chinese-air-locker-81717/
https://www.dragtimes.com/video-viewer.php?v=a8kUrWHSrQM&feature
From ARB
http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=19548.0
*IF* you decide this is for you, please continue!
I have contacted several Chinese manufacturers and so far the best quote I've received is $480 for the locker, compressor, switches, wiring, air lines; shipping to US $156- total $636. They currently produce 20-30 different applications but unfortunately do not cover my 8.8. When I asked if it were possible for them to do so, I was told they would need a commitment of 15 orders in order to develop the 31 spline 8.8 locker. Also, if you wanted a locker without the compressor, I was told to take off $40. They are interested and willing to give us a group discount with 10 or more units and would be between 2-5% discount or greater depending on the quantity ordered and shipping would also be reduced (at least getting into the US).
Again, this is not the thread to express your opinions about the political, economic or ethical situations with China or Chinese manufacturing processes. We have an entire forum to do that: please start your own thread.
Otherwise, feel free to post your interest, relevant questions or direct personal experiences with these products. If you wish to remain anonymous, PM me and no one else will be the wiser. I am volunteering to be the point person with this and will do what I can to help facilitate and try and meet everyone's interests.
*BOTTOM LINE*
Do your research to understand the risks as much as possible. My Jeep funds are finite as decreed by my 'accountant' and this seems to be the best compromise I can make for the kind of wheeling I do. If you find yourself in a similar situation, let's try and make this happen!