point of note, you would just need to replace the locker and carrier set not the whole axle, i recall seeing some somwhere for sale not to long ago

 

I have a yukon grizzly locker for the m226 in my basement if you decide to re-gear your current axle instead. Auto locker that replaces the entire carrier like the ARB does. They are pretty bullet proof. I'll let that go cheap if you are interested.

re-gear makes the entire price go up though, as you probably already know.

 

I swapped both axles and was very wary of the earlier m226 models. I made it a requirement to get a newer 4 spider gear version just for peace of mind. I've read about way to many people blowing the two spider early generation to want to deal with a regear or replace down the line.

Based on where your build is going, I'd say get a beefier set up. But it really depends on how you wheel. $400 is pretty cheap, but I would budget in an air locker, or just start off with a 4 spider gear version.

 

I've read about way to many people blowing the two spider early generation to want to deal with a regear or replace down the line.

Yeah, I'm reading the same now that I search more. I ignored all the warnings about the R180 strength, and experienced first hand the downfall. Don't want to go through that with the rear axle, too.

Based on where your build is going, I'd say get a beefier set up. But it really depends on how you wheel.

Apparently, we're not supposed to tank our rigs. Can't "launch it". LAME, lol. Just kidding, but I do need to focus on taking it a little more easy. My X sure as heck isn't going to get much lighter, either. Probably best to go with revised axle.

 

What happened to the R180 + Lokka deal? That would for sure be easiest, cheapest, and plenty strong.

You say you have zero plans for bigger tires, air lockers, or anything else. IMO one of the biggest selling points of the M205 is being able to (more) safely run a 35" tire, which should eventually let you take you to tougher (and riskier) obstacles. And do you think the entirely new suspension package, which offers increase travel, will be worth the cost if you don't plan on getting any lockers?

Seems like your truck can go/do what you need it to right now. Just by reading a few of your posts, I would think that the simplest and cheapest option will be to use the R180 that you already have and just put a Lokka in it to give it extra strength. This seems like it would be a perfectly good setup for your X!

 

What happened to the R180 + Lokka deal? That would for sure be easiest, cheapest, and plenty strong.

It would, yes, in all aspects. But I'm thinking forward a bit this time. While the Lokka would take care of the shoddy spider gears in the R180 - I'd be dealing with its downfalls (auto engage, risk of CV's, wonky in snow, etc).

I'm not doing a full Titan Swap this year. Just the m205 w/ v8 pathy CV's. I got a really, really good deal IMO on an m205 w low miles from a 2014 titan. Sourced the pathy CV's for cheap, too. Its in the budget to just get the axles on the X so that next spring I can consider getting the IFS titan parts. Plus, it would be hard to already sell off my MK84's and SPC uppers having only put around 8k miles on 'em since last fall. They're just too new/fresh for me to let go at a loss, you know?

And its true, I really do like the tire size I'm running and honestly no plans for a fancy/pricey ARB air locker setup. I like the idea of having the rear factory e-locker for those moments when I need it, rather than a front auto locker. Should help me in using less momentum/skinny pedal.

 

Ahh ok. V8 Pathy route makes more sense. Regear is still gonna suck though. I feel like it is a slippery slope lol. If the option is available, it is hard to say "no" when it comes to upgrades. Adding that M205 gives you a lot more options...

 

FWIW, I’m one of the guys who grenaded a 2005 2-spider gear e-locker. After that I rebuilt my rear end with an ARB. Much more dependable, and every single piece can be bought and replaced individually if something ever breaks in it.

Grenaded spiders:





New ARB: