Eaton E-locker

[Hedgehog]

While stumbling in the sales adds up pops an older Eaton E-locker, Dana 44 30 spline new in box. The guy bought and never installed before selling the jeep. Yes, it is the right size for my gears. I can get it for $450.00 seems like a very good deal, your thoughts?

$450 is a lot of money for me right now, but it looks like a VERY good deal, to good a deal to pass up. I'm getting ready to regear the jeep, so this seems like the time to move.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

What does a new one run for today?
Does it come with everydangthing you'll need for it to work?
Haven't installed one of those yet--
Do you have a bearing puller and a dial indicator to confirm gear backlash measurement?
LG

 

[Barry2]

I've seen them go for $800.00 or more. That is a great price.
I have one in two of my Jeeps. Worth every penny and no air comp or hoses to mess with.

 

[Hedgehog]

Lumpy - The guy is fairly well off, and about 60. He put it on a shelf, was ready to install it and sold the jeep. The box is unopened, so everything that should be there is there along with a new set of axle bearings. I have access to a very cool bearing puller set and my dial indicator is in the garage waiting to be used again along with shims of various sizes.

As Barry said they go for ~$800 to ~$1100. But I will say this one is an older model with a birth date of June 2012. When I do a search on the serial number Eaton has a new serial number for a newer model that is supposed to be stronger. Since I'm not going to be running big tires or doing big obstacles the older, well respected model should do me just fine.

Barry - How does the electrical connection work? Do you need to drill a hole in the diff. cover? Does the switch come with the locker and is there a big electrical draw? In operation do you hit a switch that activates the magnet to lock, then hit the switch to unlock or do you turn the magnet on and leave it on until you don't need the locker anymore?

Been also thinking about installing a lunchbox locker in the front. It seems like a good set up for a semi serious off road rig. Any thoughts....

 

[Torxhead]

Hedge, you did mention that the locker is for a 30 spline axle. I believe the CJs like you have came with a 19 spline axle, unless it has been changed. I have run around with guys using the full time lockers with good success, but the steering will get pretty stiff when on the solid rock surface. Moab, Utah trails are a good example of this where guys I have been with have had to unlock at least one hub to drive over the slickrock.

 

[Hedgehog]

The early (1960's) two piece D-44s have 19 spline shafts. The 72-86 CJ's with Dana 44 's are 30 spline one piece shafts and are supposed to be the best rear ends in a stock jeep.

 

[Torxhead]

You are right, I did not realize that the 30 spline axle was used in the CJ5s.

 

[Hedgehog]

In his add he shows a picture of the actual box with specifications clearly visible. To make sure it was the right thing I researched every aspect of the information listed worrying about every detail. Especially since the Eaton E-locker for my CJ had a different serial number. Then I noticed an information block that showed my serial number and said the serial number was different because there is a newer model. The older model I'm getting had solid reviews and an excellent reputation which makes me comfortable with the purchase especially at the price he's asking, "To get it off the shelf in the garage."

 

[Lumpy Grits]

The lunch box lockers work very well in the front if your 'kind' to the 'skinny' pedal.
I have installed a few Lock Right's, they are well made.
WELCOME TO POWERTRAX - Powertrax
LG

 

[Lumpy Grits]

In his add he shows a picture of the actual box with specifications clearly visible. To make sure it was the right thing I researched every aspect of the information listed worrying about every detail. Especially since the Eaton E-locker for my CJ had a different serial number. Then I noticed an information block that showed my serial number and said the serial number was different because there is a newer model. The older model I'm getting had solid reviews and an excellent reputation which makes me comfortable with the purchase especially at the price he's asking, "To get it off the shelf in the garage."

Looks like you found a very good deal.
Does the locker's electrical connection continue draining the battery when the engine is off and the locker is engaged??
LG

 

[Hedgehog]

Lumpy - The minor details I'm a little fuzzy on because they are rarely mentioned by anybody that has or reviews one of these lockers. Lets hope it's because they are non-issues. When I wire the system in it will be on the switched power side. I do wonder if the magnets are on constantly while the locker is in use or if the magnet acts as a switch putting the locker "in gear", then pulling it "out of gear" when you are done or does the electro magnet stay on holding things in gear all the time it's in use. I'm also wondering how the wire gets out of the diff. case. Does the cover need to be drilled? These things are not written about by folks that have them and I'm betting it's because there's nothing to worry about.

 

[jquise2423]

If you pass on this let me know.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

HH-Ck these out?
http://www.eaton.com/ecm/groups/public/@pub/@eaton/@per/documents/content/ct_128304.pdf

Eaton ELOCKER Eaton ELOCKER Reviews, Ratings, Specs & Prices

Vid of a Dana 30 install
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OerEczk70f8

Vid of a Dana 35 install
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekEIqOiAFKI

LG

 

[Old Dog]

I've had mine installed for 2 years now, so mine is probably made in 2012 also.
Mine works great, I run 35's as you know and I'm not kind to it. I broke a warn hub, the locker was fine.
I wired mine to an always hot wire so if I switch it on (with the switch for the locker), and turn the jeep off, the locker will stay engaged, just personal choice.
One thing I didn't know till I got mine is, you should only engage/disengage it under 3mph.
I drilled the case when I did mine.

 

[Old Dog]

It should come with everything you need including plenty of wire and a lighted switch. I mounted mine beside me by the shifter so it's ease to reach.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Old Dog-Do you know what the amperage draw is when 'ON'?
LG

 

[Hedgehog]

In 4x4 off road operation, do you switch it on and just go with it on all day or do you switch it on when things get rough then shut it off again?

 

[Old Dog]

Old Dog-Do you know what the amperage draw is when 'ON'?
LG

No I don't.

In 4x4 off road operation, do you switch it on and just go with it on all day or do you switch it on when things get rough then shut it off again?

I only turn it on when needed and than shut it off so the jeep steers easier. Mines in the front.

 

[oldjeeplady]

We just installed one of these in our Dana 44 rear 30 spline. New ring and pinion too. I will look at the fuse size in a bit when I go out to feed the horses. We also have one to install for our front Dana 30 27 spline. What they don't tell you is for the front you need a larger size shim set ( I think they are for a Dana 44 front). They do make reference to the extra bearings you need, and actually you need two sets - one to grind down the ID until you get all your settings right and then a set to press on after you know your settings (backlash, have a good pattern on the ring gear, etc) On the front, you probably cannot remove the bearing without damaging the stator in the E-locker.

And you can wire it either way - hot all the time or through the key switch wiring. The wiring that comes with is set up to go through the key interlock - there are two hot wires.

If you get this and need the wiring diagram, pm me and I can send it - but hope yours would come with that. Ours did. I think the instructions are also on the Eaton site.

Yeah our CJ is a '59, but the axles are from a '75.

 

[oldjeeplady]

The blade fuse in the factory wiring is 10A. The largest of the factory wiring is 16 gauge.

Some pics:







It took several times of install and removal to get all the settings right. On the next one I'm going to measure all the shims and lay them out on a sheet of paper with their measurements. Then when we are combining to get the "right" amount we won't have to keep measuring them individually - seems like common sense, but once you start handling them, well they can take on a life on their own - some can even fly!!

I think we watched that same youtube video.. there weren't that many for our application.

We bought our E Lockers from Summit. THEY didn't know that there are extra bearings and special shims required for the Dana 30 install. It's not even on the Eaton site....live and learn.

My husband (mriplaybass) is going to take over updating our build thread as he knows what he is talking about and I well... really don't most of the time.. I am learning... (I did put the new press together )