Dana 44 Eaton E-locker

I’ve been kicking around in my head the idea of a selectable locker for my Rear Dana 44 for some time. There weren’t any good options for the stock 19 spline axle shafts, so I was contemplating full float options with 1 piece axle shafts. I kept running into road blocks when I got to the spindles. I can take no credit for all the heavy lifting, but guys on the CJ2A page and duffer showed me the solution. https://www.thecj2apage.com/FORUMS/sanity-check-d44-full-floater_topic46710_page9.html

Now all I had to do was collect parts.

I went with an Eaton E-Locker P/N 19969-010
The spindles start out as GM P/N 706528X. I sent a couple of sets to jpet on the CJ2A page to have them shortened and the bores machined to ø1.320.



The hubs are stock Dana 30 disc brake hubs. Set 47 bearings on the inside and Set 45 bearings on the outside.


I measured .007" backlash before I started disassembly

Old Gear Pattern



I wasn’t planning on replacing the Pinion bearings, but when I took the old case out, they were pretty crunchy.
I struggled without any special tools on the last gear set up I performed so I decided to get the Vevor housing spreader and clamshell bearing puller
https://www.vevor.com/differential-...0-series-returns-accepted-tool-p_010301024700
https://www.vevor.com/bearing-inner...aring-puller-with-2-clamshells-p_010770734320



.006" backlash with the E-Locker

New Gear Pattern

 

You're braver than me, when I put the E locker in my CJ I paid a local shop to install it!
You're gonna love the E locker!

 

Where did you source the shafts?
Do your wheels fit with the rotor over the hub? Something about the brakes doesn't look right, I've never seen the spindle exposed like that.

 

I understand there is a maximum amount of spread to the Dana 44 housing. I understand the number 0.020" max and would require
using a dial indicator to keep from spreading the case too much.

 

I think something like this will cover the spindles properly. They might require trimming with your special application. There are plenty of sources. I used them on my front disk brake upgrade.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/295532332280

 

I agree, that is not correctly assembled.
The brake caliper bracket is backwards and the rotor needs to go behind the hub.

 

I am using Moser axle shafts. I'll have more on the axles in a few days.

 

You are correct. .020" is the maximum. I used an indicator and stayed at .015". This made the install much easier.

 

Be carefull with the e-locker. Going from forward to reserve you have to be gently since locker will engage/disengage/engage. My e-locker took 1 year and internal got worn out due to this fact. I regret, i should have gone with the ox locker.

 

I've never heard this before now.

 

Nor have I.
I had a Chevy with an Eaton Gov lock that operated this way, but I thought the E locker was electrically locked once you energized it, and it stayed that way as long as current is applied.
I'm gonna test it out on my Jeep once I'm able to drive it again.

 

Johneyboy is 100%
The e locker unlocks for about half a tire of rotation. Front to back rocking is hard on it, like fwd/reverse/fwd when trying to get out of mud.
My gear guy has replaced allot of Eaton e locker units with ARB and OX as they are a true locker and stay locked all the time when in use.
Small tire jeeps like ours are of course easier on them than a 6k Lb JK on 37's or 40's.
Larger tires can be up to 4' of peg leg charlie..... get out the winch.

 

I have not hear of this but watching how the internals worked when I was testing, I can see this. I'll have to be gentle on for fwd/reverse

 

X2

 

Ox locker has a new version of actuator. Can be manual, air operated and electric operated. I personnaly think its the best system out the three most popular. They lock like the eaton but they stay locked from forward to reverse. Also in case of problem with the manuel/air or electric actuator you can simply screw something in place of the actuator to make it lock (permanent until you're out of trail to repair)

Arb the air locking system can be a little fragile since it invole sealing a rotating assembly

Eaton the forward /reserve thing, but other than can is a good unit

 

This

 

I think Jeff p. has a video on it. He fought it for a few years then swapped them out.