ARB Air Locker | Toyota 8" Rear Differential | 30-Spline (1979-95 4Runner/Pickup)

In stock
SKU: 525
Regular price $1,299.95
Housing Configuration

ARB Air Locker | Toyota 8" Rear Differential | 30-Spline, 50mm Bearings | Selectable Locking Differential

For 1984–1995 Toyota 4Runner & 1979-1995 Toyota Pickup 


Overview

The ARB Air Locker is a premium selectable locking differential engineered for Toyota 8-inch live axle applications. Unlike automatic lockers, the locker functions as a standard open differential during everyday driving for predictable handling and minimal drivetrain wear. When additional traction is needed, simply activate the locker using an ARB air compressor and dash-mounted switch to deliver 100% power to both axle shafts.

Designed for demanding off-road environments including rocks, mud, snow, sand, and loose terrain, the ARB locker provides maximum traction without compromising on-road drivability. Its forged internal components, nodular iron differential case, and proven pneumatic locking mechanism have made ARB one of the most trusted names in off-road drivetrain technology.


Features

  • Selectable pneumatic locking differential
  • Fits Toyota 8-inch live axle differentials
  • 30-spline carrier design
  • 10-bolt ring gear configuration
  • Compatible with all gear ratios
  • Functions as an open differential when disengaged
  • Provides 100% traction on demand
  • Forged alloy steel internal gears
  • Heavy-duty one-piece nodular iron case
  • Steel-reinforced bonded annular seal for long service life
  • Minimal moving parts for exceptional durability
  • Suitable for front or rear applications depending on vehicle configuration
  • Designed for serious off-road use while maintaining excellent on-road manners

Benefits

Whether you're crawling over rocks, navigating deep mud, or driving through snow, the ARB allows you to instantly lock both axle shafts together for maximum available traction. When the obstacle is cleared, simply disengage the locker and enjoy factory-like street handling.

Compared to automatic lockers, the ARB Air Locker offers:

  • Improved steering characteristics
  • Reduced drivetrain wear
  • No clicking or ratcheting noises
  • Better tire longevity
  • Driver-controlled traction exactly when needed

Construction

  • High-strength forged internal gears
  • Nodular iron differential case
  • Precision-machined locking components
  • Heavy-duty steel reinforcement
  • Premium seals designed for harsh environments

Installation Notes

  • ARB air compressor required (sold separately).
  • Professional installation is recommended.
  • Verify spline count, bearing size, and axle configuration before ordering.

4-Cylinder Differential Compatibility (Important)

If your Toyota is equipped with a 4-cylinder 8-inch differential (original 45mm carrier bearing), the ARB does not install using your factory carrier bearings. The is designed around the larger 50mm carrier journal found on V6 carriers.

To install an into a 4-cylinder third member, you will need:

  • (2) 45mm-to-50mm conversion carrier bearings (also known as 50mm conversion bearings). 

Please select the "4-Cylinder Housing (Includes 2x 50mm Conversion Bearings)" option when ordering to ensure you receive the correct bearings for your application.

Conversion Bearing Information

The required conversion bearings allow the 50mm carrier to fit inside the earlier 4-cylinder Toyota 8-inch differential housing, which was originally designed for a 45mm carrier bearing. Without these bearings, the cannot be installed in a factory 4-cylinder third member.

Before Ordering

Please verify the following before purchasing:

  • Your axle uses a Toyota 8-inch differential
  • Your differential uses a 30-spline carrier
  • Whether your third member is the 45mm (4-cylinder) or 50mm (V6) carrier-bearing style
  • Whether you already have an ARB air compressor or plan to purchase one

Ideal For

  • Rock crawling
  • Overlanding
  • Trail rigs
  • Expedition vehicles
  • Off-road recreation
  • Snow and ice conditions
  • Mud and sand driving

Choose the Right Kit Configuration

To make installation as simple as possible, select the configuration that matches your differential.

Locker Only

Choose this option if you already have the required carrier bearings or are purchasing them separately.

Includes:

  • ARB Air Locker
  • Air fittings
  • Installation hardware

V6 / Turbo Kit

Designed for Toyota V6 and Turbo 8-inch differentials equipped with 50mm carrier bearings.

Includes:

  • ARB Air Locker
  • (2) Standard 50mm carrier bearings
  • Air fittings
  • Installation hardware

4-Cylinder Kit

Designed specifically for Toyota 4-cylinder 8-inch differentials using the original 45mm carrier bearing arrangement.

Includes:

  • ARB Air Locker
  • (2) 45mm-to-50mm conversion carrier bearings
  • Air fittings
  • Installation hardware

This kit eliminates the need to source the correct bearings separately, making installation significantly easier.


Vehicle Fitment

The ARB Air Locker is designed for Toyota 8-inch live-axle differentials with a 10-bolt ring gear, 30-spline axle shafts, and 50mm carrier-bearing journals. It supports all compatible gear ratios.

Toyota 4Runner

  • 1984–1989 Toyota 4Runner
    • Compatible with Toyota 8-inch rear differentials
    • Not compatible with the factory solid front axle
    • Not compatible with the factory front IFS differential
  • 1990–1995 Toyota 4Runner
    • Compatible with Toyota 8-inch rear differentials
    • Not compatible with the factory front IFS differential

Toyota Pickup

  • 1979–1983 Toyota Pickup 4WD
    • Compatible with qualifying Toyota 8-inch rear differentials
    • Not compatible with the factory solid front axle
  • 1984–1988 Toyota Pickup 4WD
    • Compatible with qualifying Toyota 8-inch rear differentials
    • Not compatible with the factory solid front axle
    • Not compatible with the factory front IFS differential
  • 1989–1995 Toyota Pickup
    • Compatible with qualifying Toyota 8-inch rear differentials
    • Not compatible with the factory front IFS differential

What's Included

  • ARB Air Locker differential
  • Air line fittings
  • Solenoid hardware
  • Installation components
  • Manufacturer installation instructions