Help figuring out locker options for my Dana 44 install

Mine were among the first issue of the second generation. First trails were, Hole In the Rock and Moab Rim, enjoyed the new capability. After a couple of years, various breakdowns and trail repairs became the norm caused by the complete variety of engagement issues rather than the locker hardware itself. I corrected those, but as time passed it became apparent that the Dana 44 unit was destined to be replaced. As I mentioned in an earlier post the locker in the Dana 30 did not give me trouble. If the rear locker does not engage then the front won't engage. Could swap the pressure switch connections to use front independently to override rear first front second rule. Did that to continue trail when needing three wheels turning despite "weaker" Dana 30. Toward the end of ownership, the rear would engage despite compressor constantly running. Could hear the hissing through the pumpkin and then the right alxe seal would go. 85-140 leaked every time locker engaged; slowed or stopped when locker not engaged. That's when I decided I'd had it, then the theft. My purpose is to share my experiences so the OP gets the whole story backed up with a factual presentation. Couldn't care less regarding fanboys. ARBs are not the Jesus Christ of traction options.
 
HardSell said:
.... ARBs are not the Jesus Christ of traction options.
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Factory Rubicon lockers are in no way superior to ARB. If they were, they would be desirable beyond a relatively easy bolt on solution to getting lockers.
 
jjvw said:
no way superior to ARB
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From my present perspective, a properly functioning or easily maintained traction option is superior to my ARB experience. Son bought his 2005 LJR brand new. It has 145,000 on it. He has video of Pritchett Canyon and Blanca Peak on 33s. Was the only one in his group to get up Rock Pile unassisted. Camped with him and my Brother (2006 LJR) at Lake Como Blanca Pk. Lockers never an issue regarding both vehicles. Radiator, and suspension were other issues corrected. Just the facts.
 
HardSell said:
From my present perspective, a properly functioning or easily maintained traction option is superior to my ARB experience. Son bought his 2005 LJR brand new. It has 145,000 on it. He has video of Pritchett Canyon and Blanca Peak on 33s. Was the only one in his group to get up Rock Pile unassisted. Camped with him and my Brother (2006 LJR) at Lake Como Blanca Pk. Lockers never an issue regarding both vehicles. Radiator, and suspension were other issues corrected. Just the facts.
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I broke the original rear locker after 145k miles. Stripped out the locker with 33s. The second one I put in allegedly had 55k miles by the time I got it. Within 5k miles, the LSD stripped out on that one shortly after the 35s went in.

My original front has had noisy spider gears since I bought the Jeep 8 years ago that slowly get noisier. There will be a day when those break apart and, unlike ARB, I will be unable to replace them.

Just presenting some more facts.
 
jjvw said:
Just presenting some more facts.
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I guess the OP is getting a complete picture; more than I had years ago. Traction control device decisions should be made from a maximum of experience variables shared by others. I thought the ARBs were fantastic the first two years I used 'em. Then trouble followed in many variables. I made the best of what I had and came to understand and deal with their limitations as those limitations became exposed. So far, my TJR is delightful to drive and wheel as it is. If factory units break down I have many more options than I did nearly a couple decades ago. Experience has taught me which option not to take.
 
HardSell said:
.... If factory units break down I have many more options than I did nearly a couple decades ago. Experience has taught me which option not to take.
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Craftsman is an excellent line of tools because that may have been true decades ago? Hyundai and Kia make garbage cars because that might have been true decades ago?

Things change.
 
jjvw said:
Craftsman is an excellent line of tool
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Never liked craftsman. Flip lever always broke. Burnt up a craftsman belt sander on first project. Monkey Wards unit finished the job. Still using 1964 Penncrest hand tool set bought to service my '54 DeSoto. Just used it to open Diff to reconnect air pressure hose.
 
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Jerry Bransford said:
It was redesigned to be stronger to be able to withstand the extra flex the Dana 30 exhibits. The root cause of locker failures was the Dana 30's added flex that caused problems for not just the ARB but other lockers like the Detroit Locker. Which is indeed the fault of the Dana 30 not the locker design. They were made stronger simply so they could survive the extra flex of the Dana 30.
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@Jerry Bransford , is this also an issue for an Eaton E locker in a Dana 30?
 
HardSell said:
I guess the OP is getting a complete picture; more than I had years ago. Traction control device decisions should be made from a maximum of experience variables shared by others. I thought the ARBs were fantastic the first two years I used 'em. Then trouble followed in many variables. I made the best of what I had and came to understand and deal with their limitations as those limitations became exposed. So far, my TJR is delightful to drive and wheel as it is. If factory units break down I have many more options than I did nearly a couple decades ago. Experience has taught me which option not to take.
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I would not trade a truck load of used TJ Rubicon OEM rear air lockers for 1 new ARB.
 
mrblaine said:
I would not trade a truck load of used TJ Rubicon OEM rear air lockers for 1 new ARB.
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Before each offroad trip I make an offering to my Altar of the OEM Rear Air Locker.
Voodoo.JPG

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Jerry Bransford said:
Before each offroad trip I make an offering to my Altar of the OEM Rear Air Locker.
View attachment 204430
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I have a couple of spares. They are known good working when removed but you know how that goes. I would not recommend you use one and instead, convert to any other selectable when yours dies.
 
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mrblaine said:
I have a couple of spares. They are known good working when removed but you know how that goes. I would not recommend you use one and instead, convert to any other selectable when yours dies.
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Absolutely, I'll definitely not take chances there.
 
Steel City 06 said:
Personally, I would go for the Eaton Elocker4, which is a redesigned version of the Elocker that functions similar to the ARB. It also has 4 pinion gears for extra strength. It is more expensive than the old style.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R6IDO7K/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Looking at it more, it seems most of the ones for sale anymore are the new design.
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If I'm reading it right, the Elocker4 is only for the Dana 44 and up, right? I was trying to find it for the Dana 30 as well.
 
Looks like Eaton E-locker has a 1 year warranty that appears to be voided by having anything larger than stock tires (I have 35's on a 2006 TJ Rubi 4.11 gears). Any thoughts on that vs the 6-year warranty on the Yukon Zip Locker or 5 year on ARB? Eaton isn't confident about the stresses involved?
 
ARB.... Tried and true. Very simple design and excellent customer service if you have any issues.
 
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