ARB Dana 70 / Dana 80 Air Locker Differential - RD176, Low Speed, 40-Spline
RD176
The ARB RD176 Air Locker Differential is a heavy-duty selectable locking differential designed for Dana 70 and Dana 80 custom rear axle performance applications using 40-spline axle shafts. Engineered for rock crawlers, rock bouncers, Ultra4-style race vehicles, mud trucks, and custom off-road builds, this low-speed performance locker provides fully locked traction on demand. With the flip of a switch, compressed air activates the locking mechanism, forcing both axle shafts to rotate together for maximum available traction through rocks, mud, steep climbs, and extreme terrain. Designed for 4.56 and numerically higher gear ratio carrier applications, the RD176 is intended for custom axle assemblies where strength and traction take priority.
When activated, its patented timed locking mechanism provides positive mechanical engagement under demanding drivetrain loads. The heavy-duty two-piece steel carrier, minimal moving internal components, and steel-reinforced elastomer-bonded annular air seal are engineered for durability in competition and severe off-road environments. This is a performance-specific locker that requires custom 40-spline axle shafts and is not compatible with original equipment axle shafts.
Includes:
- (1) ARB RD176 Dana 70X / Dana 80X Air Locker Differential Assembly
- (1) Dash-Mounted Activation Switch
- (1) Air Solenoid Valve
- Air Line
- Bulkhead Fitting
Important:
- Custom 40-spline axle shafts are required. Factory OEM axle shafts are not compatible.
- Designed for 4.56 and numerically higher gear ratio carrier applications.
- A compatible ARB Air Compressor is required for operation and is sold separately.
- Verify the Dana 70X / 80X housing, carrier configuration, ring gear mounting, and axle shaft requirements before ordering.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | ARB |
|---|---|
| Part Number | RD176 |
| Product Type | Selectable Air Locking Differential |
| Axle Platform | Dana 70X / Dana 80X |
| Axle Position | Rear |
| Axle Spline Count | 40-Spline |
| Gear Ratio Compatibility | 4.56 & Numerically Higher |
| Carrier Compatibility | 4.56 & Up Performance Carrier Applications |
| Performance Configuration | Low-Speed Performance |
| Differential Operation | Selectable Open / Fully Locked |
| Engagement Type | Pneumatic / Compressed Air |
| Carrier Construction | Heavy-Duty Two-Piece Steel Design |
| Locking Mechanism | Patented Timed Locking Mechanism |
| Air Seal | Steel-Reinforced Elastomer-Bonded Annular Seal |
| Material | Steel |
| Installation Type | Performance Differential Carrier Replacement |
| Axle Shaft Requirements | Custom 40-Spline Axle Shafts Required |
| Primary Application | Dana 70X / 80X Rear Axle Upgrades for Rock Crawlers, Rock Bouncers, Race Vehicles & Custom Off-Road Builds |
| Required Components | Custom 40-Spline Axle Shafts, Compatible Air Compressor, Air Supply & Differential Installation Components |
| Known Incompatibilities | Factory OEM Axle Shafts, Incorrect Carrier Break, Non-40-Spline Axle Configurations & Incompatible Dana 70/80 Housings |
| Quantity | One Air Locker Differential Assembly |
Fitment
The ARB RD176 is intended for compatible Dana 70X and Dana 80X rear axle performance configurations using custom 40-spline axle shafts. This is not a direct replacement for standard factory Dana 70 or Dana 80 differential assemblies.
| Make | Model | Year Range | Axle Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custom Fabrication | Rock Crawlers & Rock Bouncers | All | Dana 70X / 80X Rear - Custom 40-Spline |
| Custom Fabrication | Ultra4 & Off-Road Race Vehicles | All | Dana 70X / 80X Rear - Custom 40-Spline |
| Custom Fabrication | Mud Trucks & Competition Builds | All | Dana 70X / 80X Rear - Custom 40-Spline |
| Custom Fabrication | Heavy-Duty Custom Axle Builds | All | Dana 70X / 80X Rear - Custom 40-Spline |
Fitment Notes:
- Designed for compatible Dana 70X and Dana 80X rear axle performance applications.
- Requires custom 40-spline axle shafts.
- Original equipment axle shafts are not compatible.
- Designed for 4.56 and numerically higher gear ratio carrier configurations.
- Low-speed performance carrier application.
- Not a universal fit for all Dana 70 or Dana 80 axle housings.
- Verify carrier bearing dimensions, ring gear mounting, spline count, and axle housing compatibility before ordering.
- Requires a compatible air compressor and air supply system.
- ARB air compressor sold separately.
- Professional differential installation and custom axle shaft measurement are recommended.
Builder Note: The RD176 is intended for purpose-built performance axle assemblies rather than factory axle shaft replacement. Before ordering, confirm the complete drivetrain package, including the differential housing, ring gear, carrier configuration, axle shaft length, and 40-spline requirements. Custom axle shafts must be selected or manufactured to match the finished axle assembly.
FAQ
What axles does the ARB RD176 Air Locker fit?
The RD176 is designed for compatible Dana 70X and Dana 80X rear axle performance configurations using 40-spline axle shafts. It is not a universal replacement for every Dana 70 or Dana 80 differential.
Does the RD176 fit factory Dana 70 or Dana 80 axle shafts?
No. The RD176 is a performance-specific Air Locker that requires custom 40-spline axle shafts. Factory original equipment axle shafts are not compatible with this application.
What gear ratios are compatible with the ARB RD176?
The supplied specifications identify the RD176 for 4.56 and numerically higher gear ratio carrier applications. Verify the installed ring gear and carrier configuration before ordering.
What does low-speed performance mean for the RD176?
ARB identifies this locker as a low-speed performance carrier configuration intended for demanding custom axle applications. It should not be assumed interchangeable with other ARB high-speed or factory-replacement locker configurations.
Can I use the RD176 in a rock crawler or rock bouncer?
Yes. The RD176 is intended for demanding off-road performance applications where custom 40-spline Dana 70X or Dana 80X axle assemblies are used. It provides selectable traction for technical crawling, steep climbs, and aggressive terrain.
Does the ARB RD176 require an air compressor?
Yes. A compatible ARB air compressor and air supply system are required to activate the locking mechanism. The compressor is sold separately.
How does the ARB RD176 Air Locker work?
Compressed air activates the internal locking mechanism, preventing independent axle shaft rotation and forcing both rear wheels to turn together. When disengaged, the differential operates as a conventional open unit.
How is the RD176 different from a spool?
A spool permanently locks both axle shafts together. The ARB RD176 allows the driver to engage or disengage the locking mechanism, providing maximum traction when needed while allowing normal differential action when unlocked.
Does the RD176 include the activation switch and air line?
Yes. The supplied kit contents include the Air Locker differential assembly, activation switch, solenoid valve, air line, and bulkhead fitting. The compressor is sold separately.
Can the RD176 be installed during a custom axle build?
Yes. The RD176 is intended for custom performance axle applications. It should be incorporated into the axle design before finalizing shaft lengths, spline configurations, and differential setup dimensions.
Does the RD176 work with all Dana 80 housings?
No. Compatibility depends on the specific Dana 80X configuration, carrier dimensions, gear ratio, and custom axle shaft requirements. The RD176 should not be treated as a universal Dana 80 replacement differential.
What should I verify before ordering the RD176?
Confirm the Dana 70X or Dana 80X housing, 4.56-and-up carrier compatibility, ring gear mounting requirements, custom 40-spline axle shaft dimensions, and available air supply. Professional differential setup is recommended.
