E-locker - A small question, could be important though

[Hedgehog]

I've mentioned many times that a few months ago an E-locker was installed in the rear axle of my CJ. It has also been mentioned that I haven't got the electricity installed yet. Well, the wires are attached and run under the CJ to the dash area. This has always bothered me though. The wires are flimsy and sort of bounce around down there. We all know that movement like that will eventually lead to failure. So, I'm wondering how you folks with E-lockers or for that matter the similar ARB system run your lines to keel them safe?

A long awaited dash project is about to be finished up, this will include properly wiring everything and finish some odds and ends on the heater, cables and water handling drain hoses.

 

[Torxhead]

Hedge, on my CJ, I try to secure and protect all fuel and electrical lines. Under the vehicle and hood, even some under the dash. I use that black split loom mostly and secure with a retainer of some sort. There is a lot of stuff available at an auto parts, Radio Shack, Pep Boys, Home Depot, even Wal-Mart. Here is an underhood pic with even the spark plug wires having split loom. I hope you can come up with something, like you don't want loose branches from trees or weeds tearing out your expensive wiring underneath.

 

[Hedgehog]

I'm so sorry that I did not write my question very well. Since the E-locker is in the differential it bounces around all the time, therefore the rather flimsy E-locker control wire bounces around right long with it AND it hangs down there in the dirt, in the mud, where all the brush skids by under the jeep exposing it to all the dangers that environment will bring. I'm looking for a safe way to route the control wire.

 

[oldjeeplady]

Our CJ7 is in the barn right now, but tomorrow we'll take some pics of how we routed the wiring for the front and rear elockers. We used large plastic wire ties to secure the control wiring (which is in the plastic split loom Torxhead suggested) to the differential and axle, left enough slack for axle flex and secured it above...but this would be much better explained with pictures. We will post some tomorrow.

 

[Hedgehog]

At this point I have it all split loomed up and as ready that way as I can make it. Looking forward to how the wire is routed.

 

[Peanut Butter]

If you're really worried about it, user some flexible metal conduit for that area. I did this on my trailer wiring since they always seem to get ripped out over the course of time.

 

[Hedgehog]

Well, since every bad stick, grass, rock, water and snow might have a shot at ripping the wires loose under there yeah I am trying to think ahead with some reasonable precautions. I really don't want to reinvent anything so I though it would be wise to find out how others dealt with the same problem and was it successful. Are we talking about the metal conduit that is about 1/2" house wiring is in or something else like the conduit you find on KC lights. If so, where can I get the small stuff. There are several places I could use the stuff.

I suppose I'm being over cautious. After all rear brake lines don't seem to get ripped out/off.

 

[hole]

The rear brake line is exactly were we zip tied the wires to keep them safe and secure on my buddies 7 (83-84) No pic as its not mine but thats what we did when putting the thing back together after having the housing powdercoated.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

"Sleeve'' the wires inside some rubber fuel line to protect the wiring.
LG

 

[mriplaybass]

Oldjeeplady and I did ours by installing a large zip tie right where the axle tube goes into the differential. Then, the wires ran along the top of the axle to where the vent tube comes out. Since we wanted to prevent any chance of water entering the rear axle when going through deep water, we ran the vent tube, using plastic tubing, up into the back of the tub just to the left of the tail gate. Now the axle vent is literally inside the tub, so unless we go totally submerged, the axle is protected from water. So, where the E-locker wires pass the axle vent, we used smaller zip ties to attach the wires to the vent tube. Both lines turn up behind the left shock and are attached to the frame using the same large zip ties. From here the wires run along the frame almost to the end of the frame where they turn up and go through 2 grommets into the interior of the tub. Here, the vent tube terminates, and the E-locker wires just follow along with the tail light wires using the factory clips, and additional zip ties until terminating behind the dash. We have hit water deep enough to go over the top of the hood at 10 to 15mph, and the wires were fine. Going over brush piles was no problem either. Never snagged a wire. You just need to make sure that you leave enough slack in the wire/breather tube to allow for spring travel. The wires are well protected by the strength of the vent tube.
We like using the large zip ties because not only are they gentler on the wires and tube, but it is easy to insert a small flat blade screwdriver to release the zip tie in the event any future adjustment is necessary.

 

[Hedgehog]

Thank you for all the effort of taking the pictures. This sort of thing sure seems simple, but it's helpful to see how other people do things.