Cost to Install ARB Air Locker: 6 Best Install Options Compared (2026)

Updated November 2026

If you are planning to add an ARB air locker to your trail rig, the first question is usually the cost to install ARB air locker hardware. The real answer depends on your axle, whether you do the work yourself or hire a shop, and which accessories you need to make the system work. This list compares six products that show up in most ARB air locker builds, from the air fittings and solenoid-side accessories to the traction and selectable kits. Our selection method looked at published specifications, brand reputation and the patterns owners tend to describe in their feedback. We did not install or test these parts ourselves, so treat the notes below as a research summary rather than hands-on findings.

Our Top Picks

Quick Comparison

Product	Best for	Key feature
ARB SELECTABLE AIR LOCKER	Trail riders who want the locker itself	Selectable air-operated locking differential
ARB ASK001 Air Locker Accessories	Complete air system setups	Bundled accessories for the air circuit
ARB 170201 Air Fitting Straight R1 5SP	Routing air lines cleanly	Straight fitting for 5 mm to 1/8 inch connections
ARB ALSB3 Air Locker Accessories	Dedicated hardware and sidebar parts	Mounting and control hardware
ARB Black Line Air Locker Accessory Pack	Black-finish upgrade builds	Coordinated black-finish accessories
ARB 100/117KIT1 Air Locker Traction Pack	Traction-focused budget builds	Traction pack for locker-equipped axles

ARB SELECTABLE AIR LOCKER

Best for: Trail riders who want the locker itself

This is the core component for riders who plan to fit an air-operated locker to a supported axle. It suits owners who want on-demand locking they can engage from the cab and disengage for street driving.

Key specs

• Selectable air-operated locking differential
• Designed for ARB air system integration
• Air-actuated engagement and release

Pros

• Selectable operation suits mixed street and trail use
• Works within the broader ARB air system
• Widely referenced across ARB fitment guides

Cons

• Installation requires proper fitment checks for your axle
• Owners often note that the air system must be maintained to keep engagement reliable

Bottom line: The best starting point for riders who want a selectable air locker and are prepared to match it carefully to their axle.

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ARB ASK001 Air Locker Accessories

Best for: Complete air system setups

This accessory kit suits owners assembling the full air circuit who want the supporting parts grouped together rather than sourced one at a time.

Key specs

• Air Locker accessory kit from ARB
• Supports the air circuit for ARB air lockers

Pros

• Groups supporting parts into one purchase
• Matches the ARB air system components
• Helpful when building a complete install

Cons

• Contents should be checked against your specific axle and install plan
• Does not replace the locker itself

Bottom line: A practical pick for builders who want the air-side hardware bundled, provided they confirm contents match their setup.

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ARB 170201 Air Fitting Straight R1 5SP

Best for: Routing air lines cleanly

This straight fitting is aimed at riders connecting the air line to the locker or to a rear disconnect, where a clean, direct route matters.

Key specs

• Straight air fitting, R1 5SP designation
• Connects 5 mm to 1/8 inch air line sizes

Pros

• Simple straight routing for tight spaces
• Specified for the common ARB air line connection
• Low-cost way to fix a leak point

Cons

• Only one fitting, so a full install needs additional parts
• Thread and sealing compatibility should be confirmed before installation

Bottom line: Worth keeping on hand for anyone running or repairing an air line connection.

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ARB ALSB3 Air Locker Accessories

Best for: Dedicated hardware and sidebar parts

This accessory set fits owners who want mounting and control hardware specific to ARB air lockers rather than generic fasteners.

Key specs

• ARB air locker accessory set
• Hardware and control components for the air system

Pros

• Parts are matched to the ARB system
• Reduces guesswork when sourcing hardware
• Useful for both first installs and rebuilds

Cons

• Exact contents should be confirmed against your install plan
• Does not include the locker unit

Bottom line: A sensible add-on for owners who prefer manufacturer-matched hardware.

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ARB Black Line Air Locker Accessory Pack

Best for: Black-finish upgrade builds

This pack suits owners whose rigs already use a black-finish theme and want the air locker hardware to match.

Key specs

• Black Line accessory pack for ARB air lockers
• Coordinated black-finish components

Pros

• Visual match for black-finish builds
• Groups accessories into one order
• Suits upgrade projects on an existing rig

Cons

• Finish preference matters more than function, so it may not suit every budget plan
• Contents should be checked against your axle and existing parts

Bottom line: Best for builders who want a cohesive look alongside the locker install.

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ARB 100/117KIT1 Air Locker Traction Pack

Best for: Traction-focused budget builds

This traction pack is aimed at owners who want locker-equipped traction gains and a more contained parts list.

Key specs

• Traction pack designed for ARB air lockers
• Kit-based grouping of supporting components

Pros

• Focused parts list for traction builds
• Helps control the overall parts count
• Pairs logically with a locker install

Cons

• Traction results depend on tires, terrain and driving technique
• Kit contents should be verified before ordering

Bottom line: A focused option for owners who want traction-oriented parts without a full-featured build.

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Buying Guide

Confirm axle fitment first

Installation cost rises quickly when parts do not match your axle. Owners frequently report that the biggest surprise comes from mismatched carrier or housing dimensions. Check your axle type, ring gear size and spline count before ordering anything. The ARB Air Locker Install Price: What to Budget for Parts, Labor and Extras article walks through how fitment affects the total bill.

Good picks for this: ARB SELECTABLE AIR LOCKER, ARB ASK001 Air Locker Accessories

Decide between DIY and shop installation

Labor is often the largest variable. A shop charges by the hour, and a locker install can take a full day or more depending on the axle. If you have a lift, reliable tools and experience with differentials, self-installing can reduce labor cost. The Arb Air Locker Install Kit: Step-by-Step Guide for Trail Rigs guide outlines the steps a DIY builder should expect. A cautious note: differential work involves heavy components and precise torque, so consult a professional if you are unsure.

Good picks for this: ARB ASK001 Air Locker Accessories, ARB ALSB3 Air Locker Accessories

Check the air line and fittings

Air lines and fittings are cheap compared with the locker, but a poor connection causes leaks and failed engagement. Measure your line size and confirm the fitting type before buying. Owners often report that a single leaking fitting is behind most “not engaging” complaints. The Why Is My ARB Air Locker Not Engaging? Causes and Fixes article covers common leak points.

Good picks for this: ARB 170201 Air Fitting Straight R1 5SP, ARB ALSB3 Air Locker Accessories

Choose selectable versus fully locked operation

A selectable locker lets you disengage for street driving, while a fully locked setup keeps both wheels driving together. Your choice affects how many control components you need and how the system is wired. The What Is an ARB Air Locker? How It Works and When to Use One article explains the difference in plain terms.

Good picks for this: ARB SELECTABLE AIR LOCKER, ARB 100/117KIT1 Air Locker Traction Pack

Plan for the air compressor and supply

An air locker needs a steady air supply. Owners who run the locker often report that compressor capacity and tank size matter as much as the locker itself. Plan the compressor, tank and regulator as part of the total install, not as an afterthought.

Good picks for this: ARB ASK001 Air Locker Accessories, ARB Black Line Air Locker Accessory Pack

Consider finish and fit for your build

If your rig already has a black-finish theme, matching hardware can make a clean, cohesive build. Finish is a preference rather than a performance factor, but it affects how the install looks under the truck.

Good picks for this: ARB Black Line Air Locker Accessory Pack, ARB ALSB3 Air Locker Accessories

Maintenance and long-term care

Air lockers need periodic checks: fittings, line condition, fluid levels and engagement testing. Routine care helps avoid expensive repairs later. Keep a spare fitting and a repair kit in the toolbox. For parts planning, see ARB Air Locker Replacement Parts: What to Buy and When to Replace Them.

Good picks for this: ARB 170201 Air Fitting Straight R1 5SP, ARB 100/117KIT1 Air Locker Traction Pack

FAQ

How much does it cost to install an ARB air locker?

The total depends on the locker, accessories, labor and any shop time. Install cost varies widely by axle and whether you do the work yourself. Compare parts lists and quotes carefully rather than relying on a single figure.

Can I install an ARB air locker myself?

Many experienced owners do, provided they have proper tools, a lift or stands, and a clear understanding of differential assembly. If you are unsure about any step, consult a professional mechanic.

Do I need extra parts beyond the locker?

Yes. Most installs need air fittings, lines, a compressor or air source, and control hardware. Accessory kits can group these items, but confirm contents against your plan.

How long does an air locker install take?

Time varies with experience and axle type. A first-time DIY install can take a full day or longer, while an experienced shop may move faster. Plan extra time for leak testing.

Why won’t my air locker engage after installation?

Common causes include air leaks at fittings, low air pressure, or wiring and control faults. The Why Is My ARB Air Locker Not Engaging? Causes and Fixes article covers the usual troubleshooting order.

Is a selectable air locker better than a fully locked one?

It depends on use. Selectable lockers suit mixed street and trail driving, while fully locked setups suit dedicated off-road use. Neither is universally better.

Conclusion

The cost to install ARB air locker hardware is driven mainly by axle fitment, labor and the accessories you choose. For a complete locker, the ARB SELECTABLE AIR LOCKER is the core pick, supported by the ARB ASK001 Air Locker Accessories for the air circuit. Riders focused on clean line routing should look at the ARB 170201 Air Fitting, while those wanting matched hardware or a black finish can consider the ALSB3 or Black Line packs. The ARB 100/117KIT1 Traction Pack suits a traction-focused, budget-conscious build. Confirm fitment before ordering anything.

Sources

• Vehicle safety guidance on modifications and equipment that can affect handling and braking (nhtsa.gov)
• Engineering standards and technical papers relevant to drivetrain and differential components
• Workplace safety guidance for lifting, jack stands and vehicle work (osha.gov)

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