Need help / recommendations for rear locker

[OkieJoe]

I have a 2006 LJ with the HD Dana 44 rear axle (3.73 axle ratio). As part of my build, I’m wanting to add a rear locker. I’m leaning towards the Eaton Detroit locker primarily because the elocker is out of my price range for this build. The LJ is a secondary daily driver so it sees a fair amount of pavement. Will I regret not getting the elocker, or is the Detroit locker fine for on-road use?

Also, I’m a little confused as to which Eaton Detroit locker is required. The one that I’m looking at is the DETROIT LOCKER® DIFFERENTIAL; DANA 44 FRONT; 30 SPLINE; 3.73 AND DOWN. Part number 187SL16D. Is this the correct one?

 

[Duck Doctor]

I ran Detroit Lockers in the rear axle of four rigs without issue. You have to get used to the quirks related to running a non-selectable locker on the pavement, which will only take a few days. Not sure about the part number. Are you going to regear?

 

[OkieJoe]

I ran Detroit Lockers in the rear axle of four rigs without issue. You have to get used to the quirks related to running a non-selectable locker on the pavement, which will only take a few days. Not sure about the part number. Are you going to regear?

Re-gearing is a ways down the road. I’ll be keeping the 3.73 for a while. The overall build will include a modest 2.5” suspension lift with 32” tires. Thanks for the response.

 

[GPK03X]

Why not just install a lunchbox locker in the front ?

 

[OkieJoe]

Why not just install a lunchbox locker in the front ?

Maybe…it’s an option, but I like the idea of a rear locker better. Admittedly, I’m not the smartest guy when it comes to this kind of stuff.

 

[RangerTJ]

I have a 2006 LJ with the HD Dana 44 rear axle (3.73 axle ratio). As part of my build, I’m wanting to add a rear locker. I’m leaning towards the Eaton Detroit locker primarily because the elocker is out of my price range for this build. The LJ is a secondary daily driver so it sees a fair amount of pavement. Will I regret not getting the elocker, or is the Detroit locker fine for on-road use?

Also, I’m a little confused as to which Eaton Detroit locker is required. The one that I’m looking at is the DETROIT LOCKER® DIFFERENTIAL; DANA 44 FRONT; 30 SPLINE; 3.73 AND DOWN. Part number 187SL16D. Is this the correct one?

Your thread title says you are looking for a REAR locker but the one you referenced is a FRONT locker.

If you're going to regear at some point, keep in mind the carrier break point.

Right now you're at 3.73 which is the break for the Dana 30 front.

If you go to 4.56 gears you can reuse your current carrier and locker if you put one in front.

The Dana 44 rear carrier break is 3.92, so if you put a locker in the rear with 3.73 you'll have to buy a new locker when/if you regear.

 

[OkieJoe]

Your thread title says you are looking for a REAR locker but the one you referenced is a FRONT locker.

If you're going to regear at some point, keep in mind the carrier break point.

Right now you're at 3.73 which is the break for the Dana 30 front.

If you go to 4.56 gears you can reuse your current carrier and locker if you put one in front.

The Dana 44 rear carrier break is 3.92, so if you put a locker in the rear with 3.73 you'll have to buy a new locker when/if you regear.

I am wanting a rear locker. The Eaton website says that the one I listed above can be used for the rear also. Here is a screenshot of the different applications listed for the “Front” locker listed in my original post.
However, I’m still questioning it because the product title does say Front. That’s why I was hoping for clarification as to whether this is the correct locker.

 

[L J]

Will I regret not getting the elocker, or is the Detroit locker fine for on-road use?

I put 200,000 miles on a rear Detroit in my Toyota 4x4 truck well before I knew better. The selectable is better for on and off road. You want a selectable locker in the rear (@2:10 has the pertinent info):

 

[OkieJoe]

I put 200,000 miles on a rear Detroit in my Toyota 4x4 truck well before I knew better. The selectable is better for on and off road. You want a selectable locker in the rear (@2:10 has the pertinent info):

Good video…Thanks for sharing. Guess it’s time to start saving a little more money for the selectable locker. I’ll just tell my wife that they cost the same as the Detroit.

 

[L J]

Good video…Thanks for sharing. Guess it’s time to start saving a little more money for the selectable locker.

It's better to wait, save up and do it right with something as expensive as a locker install or regear.

I’ll just tell my wife that they cost the same as the Detroit.

 

[Zorba]

Ox

 

[Rickyd]

The Dana 44 rear carrier break is 3.92, so if you put a locker in the rear with 3.73 you'll have to buy a new locker when/if you regear.

Or just use thick cut gears meant for rubicon lockers when regearing.

The Eaton website says that the one I listed above can be used for the rear also.

only if the front also has a Dana 44. Carriers are NOT interchangeable between different types of jeep axle. Dana 30,Dana 35,Dana 44,etc

 

[OkieJoe]

Ox

???

 

[OkieJoe]

only if the front also has a Dana 44. Carriers are NOT interchangeable between different types of jeep axle. Dana 30,Dana 35,Dana 44,etc

I’m not exactly following what you’re saying. Like stated earlier, I’m not the most knowledgeable with this kind of thing. I have a Dana 44 rear and Dana 30 front. I only want a rear locker. Are you saying that the one listed will not work for the rear? If so, do you know what would work?

 

[CherokeeKid]

Having had a Detroit in the rear, I really prefer selectable. I've had zero issues with my Ox and would recommend. Eaton electric and ARB would be great choices as well.

 

[Zorba]

???

Ox is another brand of selectable locker that isn't well regarded here.

 

[OkieJoe]

Thanks for the responses. My plan has changed, and I’ll be installing a selectable locker.

 

[Sayantsi]

Honest question here - if the Jeep sees a lot of pavement, why not install an LSD instead of a locker?

 

[DuckNut]

I’m not exactly following what you’re saying. Like stated earlier, I’m not the most knowledgeable with this kind of thing. I have a Dana 44 rear and Dana 30 front. I only want a rear locker. Are you saying that the one listed will not work for the rear? If so, do you know what would work?

If you buy 2 - 44 lockers, one for front and one for back, only one for the rear will work leaving you with 1 unusable. You need to buy 1 Detroit locker for the 44 rear and 1 Detroit locker for the 35 front (or whatever front axle you have)

 

[OkieJoe]

Honest question here - if the Jeep sees a lot of pavement, why not install an LSD instead of a locker?

I could do that, but I want it setup for a good trail rig. My overall goal is to have a modest but solid trail rig that can also be driven down the highway. I’m planning on holding off for a bit and getting a selectable locker when I’m ready.