Who Is Running Eaton E-Locker?

R Q

R Q

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 4, 2005
Location
Charlotte
I have one in my front D44 that I bought second hand. I've never liked the way it works. I am used to a Detroit in front. E-Locker does not seem to have full locking function. It seems to need a 1/4 turn after I start a climb. And then I was told over the weekend on a trip that my front tires were taking turns grabbing for traction. I've done some searching and am not finding much so thought I would ask the brain trust here.
If you have one, is your experience similar?
Have you ran both Detroit and E-Locker and have a difference of opinion than me?
 
I just talked to Eaton Tech guy and he said that what I am describing is not how it should be but there is no real rebuild or maintenance needed other than checking the return spring inside to make sure it's doing it's job. I got to replace the diff cover anyway so I'll check that.
 
Mac5005 said:
I feel like I've read this recently in a post, that when you back up, it over powers the locking mechanism, so when you move fwd again, it has to relock, which is what it sounds like.
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I think that was for dana 60. If I'm remembering correctly

I'm running them from and rear d30/d44 and I ran detroits in my bronco prior.

It's been my experience that mine engaged when switched with no delay. But disengaging may take a rotation or 2

I absolutely LOVE them over my detroits
 
I've run Detroits, for years, in the rear. No problems, & used to the quirks! A year ago or so, I had an E-Locker installed in my front D44. I haven't experienced any problems, & always seems to be locked when I flip the switch. I only use it when I feel I need it, so it gets engaged, before I'm spinning. Never tried it in reverse, just haven't had the occasion to try it. There was a "hint" in the instructions, that it may not work in reverse. The post on the D60, confused me, + that party was busting the Locker, I think. I'm hoping the 44 is built different from the 60!
 
Years ago I used to run an Eaton E-locker in the 8.8 in my Bronco. I enjoyed it while it worked, then I trashed it at Tellico one weekend. Then I rebuilt it and sold it when I swapped out the 8.8 for an bigger rear axle. So that said, I did a very detailed write up of the E-locker rebuild over on FSB. Check it out here.
It has a ton of very detailed pics and a good explanation of how it can get damaged. If your wheels are really both not turning, then my bet it that your engagement pins are rounded off like mine were. Mine made a ratcheting sound at the time, but maybe you couldn't hear it in your case. Or maybe your pins aren't as bad as mine were.

On the 1/4 turn before it actually engages, that is normal. When you press the button the engagement pins may or may not be right over the slots in the side gear. If they happen to be lined up already you are instantly locked. If not, it takes a touch of differential movement to make them slide into the slots and engage.
 
That's a great write up. I'll be replacing this one with a Detroit as soon as possible. I'm going to get one more trip out of it at Harlen, I hope it lasts!...but now I'm worried even more...lol
 
I noticed in the Sept. issue of JP, Eaton's add is on the "Direct Acting ELocker4" Dana 60/70 Axles. Mentions fastest engagement ever [0.14 seconds]. 100% axle lock, front or rear.
And now states "Remains locked in forward and reverse". So maybe they continue to update their failures. ??
 
yeah that was my thread and it was a D60
ARB now resides where this suck was
 
R Q said:
That's a great write up. I'll be replacing this one with a Detroit as soon as possible. I'm going to get one more trip out of it at Harlen, I hope it lasts!...but now I'm worried even more...lol
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NOPE! Got my Detroit yesterday, it will be installed before my Harlen trip!
 
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