School me on lockers

[Chocolate Thunder]

So I know what a locking differential is and what it does. I understand the basics of how it functions mechanically and when and when not to use them wheeling. But there’s more for me to learn.

In looking at replacement aftermarket axles (looking hard at you Dynatrac ProRock 44/60 set!) I see that they offer choices in aftermarket lockers. ARB air lockers, Eaton ELockers, or Auburn ECTD lockers. Can the stock lockers on a rubicon not be retained with these axles? If air lockers are selected this will necessitate the added expense of an on board air compressor, correct? Can they be controlled from the factory switch or will you need to install a new switch?

What else do I need to know? Anyone else with locker questions for experienced minds feel free to use this thread to post them. Maybe it can help others besides me.

Sponsored

 

[bkjolly]

I would do the Dynatrac 60/80 combo @Northridge4x4 with ARB's myself. With that combo you have nothing to worry about in any situation. If you don't want to add OBA you could save some money by going the Auburn route. I'm by no means a locker expert and everyone has their favorite but ARB has been around a long time with a proven track record. Build it not to break because the more you do with it the harder you're going to want to push it next time out.

 

[Chocolate Thunder]

Thanks. I’m not about to upgrade axles just yet, I’ve only taken it off road 3 times so far and have yet to encounter anything I was willing to tackle that wasn’t completely within the capability of my Jeep as it’s currently built. I was just looking at what’s available axle wise down the road potentially and in doing so wondered about the lockers.

The 60/80 is very likely more than I’ll ever need unless/until my Jeep is older and more beat up. It’s still nice and shiny and unbent and I aim to keep it that way for a while.

 

[bkjolly]

Thanks. I’m not about to upgrade axles just yet, I’ve only taken it off road 3 times so far and have yet to encounter anything I was willing to tackle that wasn’t completely within the capability of my Jeep as it’s currently built. I was just looking at what’s available axle wise down the road potentially and in doing so wondered about the lockers.

Yeah I'm still a couple months out before I even consider ordering my jeep, 6 is probably more like it because I want to get some reviews on the diesel before I make the call. Researching and taking your time with the build so you only have to do things once is the way to go so you're doing it the right way.

 

[UKCATS]

Dynatrac is good stuff. They had a ProRock44 housing for the JK Rubicon that would allow you to use your existing locker and gears, but I don’t think that is a option for the JL as of yet. Wished it was, would allow you to retain the factory locker switches.

As far as the listed lockers, ARB’s are stout. I have wheeled with guys that had leaks in the air lines that caused issues. The new, redesigned Eaton E lockers are good. We have used them with no issues. Easy to wire up to a sPod or the like. Stock Rubi switches can’t be reused AFAIK. I have not heard good things about the Auburn Etched. My buddy had problems with his.

Good luck with your build.

 

[JimLee]

Air is one of those systems that requires some looking after when you are plumbed to both axles. Some spare fittings and air line with the knowledge to use them solves that problem a majority of the time. I plan on Dynatrac pro-rock 44 front and 60 rear with ARB lockers, I'm probably going to take the time and expense to use custom bent hard lines for the majority with steel braided line where it needs to flex. I did this on my old 4-runner and never had a leak. If you don't want to deal with air I agree with @UKCATS that the Eaton E lockers sound very good based on reviews I have read. I also would avoid Auburn. If you are going to replace the factory axles why keep lockers that have broken on people? I know it's not everyone, or even alot of people, but if you are going with hell built for stout axles, go with lockers built to handle that same level of abuse. In my opinion anything factory you retain on aftermarket axles will now be the weak point. Keep us updated on your plans, I will do the same.

 

[Chocolate Thunder]

I wasn’t aware that the stock lockers are prone to breaking or that they’re inferior to the options that Dynatrac offers on these axles. Is it a requirement to replace the stock lockers on any aftermarket axle?

 

[bkjolly]

I wasn’t aware that the stock lockers are prone to breaking or that they’re inferior to the options that Dynatrac offers on these axles. Is it a requirement to replace the stock lockers on any aftermarket axle?

The aftermarket axle sets come with your locker of choice and beefed up breaks and the gears with the ratio you choose. You'll need to get new driveshafts and if you get air lockers get OBA. It's an all in one bundle. Oh and you'll need the Dynatrac drag link if you get the Dynatrac set.

 

[spies]

I wasn’t aware that the stock lockers are prone to breaking or that they’re inferior to the options that Dynatrac offers on these axles. Is it a requirement to replace the stock lockers on any aftermarket axle?

The stock lockers won’t hold up to 37s long term. I broke JK rubicon lockers with 35s. The functionality of the oem lockers is great, I like them a lot better than Eaton elockers which tend to unlock themselves if you roll backwards. But they just aren’t that strong.

And yes it is a requirement to replace your stock lockers because the only aftermarket housing that works with the stock locker is the UD44, and that already comes with one.

 

[Chocolate Thunder]

The stock lockers won’t hold up to 37s long term. I broke JK rubicon lockers with 35s. The functionality of the oem lockers is great, I like them a lot better than Eaton elockers which tend to unlock themselves if you roll backwards. But they just aren’t that strong.

And yes it is a requirement to replace your stock lockers because the only aftermarket housing that works with the stock locker is the UD44, and that already comes with one.

Thanks for that explanation.

 

[Tech Tim]

In looking at replacement aftermarket axles (looking hard at you Dynatrac ProRock 44/60 set!) I see that they offer choices in aftermarket lockers. ARB air lockers, Eaton ELockers, or Auburn ECTD lockers. Can the stock lockers on a rubicon not be retained with these axles? If air lockers are selected this will necessitate the added expense of an on board air compressor, correct? Can they be controlled from the factory switch or will you need to install a new switch?

What else do I need to know? Anyone else with locker questions for experienced minds feel free to use this thread to post them. Maybe it can help others besides me.

Wow, it's great to see all the love given for the ARB Air Lockers in all the posts! They are the stoutest of all manual lockers and if sized properly for the tire and power of the vehicle, they will give you a long life. They are also the simplest of the manual lockers. Consisting of side gears and spiders gear just like a factory open diff, a locking collar, two o-rings and an internal seal ring. Not a lot to go wrong with them, keep them clean and running in good clean oil and feed them good clean air and they'll work flawlessly for you.

@bkjolly has it right, you gotta go on board air to run the Air Lockers, but of course why wouldn't you, having OBA is so handy in a lot of applications, not just for locking lockers and filling tires.

Northridge4x4 carries Dynatrac ProRocks, Currie RockJocks, Dana UDs and even TeraFlex axles. What's real sweet is that we have the parts here and build them in house to your spec and can usually have them ready to ship out within a week or less of your order, no waiting on months to get your axles built by the manufacturers.

We also carry a large selection of pre-built axle assemblies, so if you need one ASAP, we can usually ship a crate out to you within a couple days.

 

[bkjolly]

Wow, it's great to see all the love given for the ARB Air Lockers in all the posts! They are the stoutest of all manual lockers and if sized properly for the tire and power of the vehicle, they will give you a long life. They are also the simplest of the manual lockers. Consisting of side gears and spiders gear just like a factory open diff, a locking collar, two o-rings and an internal seal ring. Not a lot to go wrong with them, keep them clean and running in good clean oil and feed them good clean air and they'll work flawlessly for you.

@bkjolly has it right, you gotta go on board air to run the Air Lockers, but of course why wouldn't you, having OBA is so handy in a lot of applications, not just for locking lockers and filling tires.

Northridge4x4 carries Dynatrac ProRocks, Currie RockJocks, Dana UDs and even TeraFlex axles. What's real sweet is that we have the parts here and build them in house to your spec and can usually have them ready to ship out within a week or less of your order, no waiting on months to get your axles built by the manufacturers.

We also carry a large selection of pre-built axle assemblies, so if you need one ASAP, we can usually ship a crate out to you within a couple days.

Yeah I have my eye on that 60/80 Dynatrac set for when I start my build. I've priced them a few ways and for what they are they're the best deal.

 

[bkjolly]

Wow, it's great to see all the love given for the ARB Air Lockers in all the posts! They are the stoutest of all manual lockers and if sized properly for the tire and power of the vehicle, they will give you a long life. They are also the simplest of the manual lockers. Consisting of side gears and spiders gear just like a factory open diff, a locking collar, two o-rings and an internal seal ring. Not a lot to go wrong with them, keep them clean and running in good clean oil and feed them good clean air and they'll work flawlessly for you.

@bkjolly has it right, you gotta go on board air to run the Air Lockers, but of course why wouldn't you, having OBA is so handy in a lot of applications, not just for locking lockers and filling tires.

Northridge4x4 carries Dynatrac ProRocks, Currie RockJocks, Dana UDs and even TeraFlex axles. What's real sweet is that we have the parts here and build them in house to your spec and can usually have them ready to ship out within a week or less of your order, no waiting on months to get your axles built by the manufacturers.

We also carry a large selection of pre-built axle assemblies, so if you need one ASAP, we can usually ship a crate out to you within a couple days.

Tim, is Northridge including the parking break cable with the Dynatrac crate axles now?

 

[rustyshakelford]

arb or e-locker if what wed recommend. I have someone lined up for you stock axles if you make the move. What are you worried about breaking? Add some RCV shafts for piece of mind and run it! If you dont want to listen to a compressor, you can run the arbs off a power tank too

brett

 

[Chocolate Thunder]

arb or e-locker if what wed recommend. I have someone lined up for you stock axles if you make the move. What are you worried about breaking? Add some RCV shafts for piece of mind and run it! If you dont want to listen to a compressor, you can run the arbs off a power tank too

brett

This is hypothetical at this point Brett. But doesn’t it always start that way? Lol. I’ve taken her off road 3 times now (not counting a few beach trips) and not tackled anything that I imagine would cause much distress to the stock components. But I pass those trails. And I see them. And I say to myself, “hmmmm...”.

OBA is something that I’ve considered doing anyway so it’s not a deal breaker. Just wanting to be edumacated so that I’ll know how to best scratch that itch down the line when the lure of level 5 trails becomes too hard to resist.

I love overbuilding things. I’m one of those who’d rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. And I don’t like to break something before I decide to upgrade it like sone guys do. I’ve broken an axle on the drag strip and had to do the Limp of Shame and gotten towed home. Should have upgraded.

Sponsored