Since 1958, when Dana introduced the Dana 44 axle, it has become the go-to option for brands searching for tough truck anatomy for 4x4s and enthusiasts seeking to upgrade to the premier framework for enduring abuse. But for many off-road vehicles, the weakest link will be your axles.
It becomes a problem when you’re driving through mud or climbing over a boulder and only one tire is receiving the power. That is where locking differentials (sometimes called lockers) come into play. They lock your axles and send power to both tires to overcome the hardest conditions.
However, the saddest truth is that finding the best locker for Dana 44 never seems too easy as there are so many options with different technical specifications. In that case, our buying guide comes as the savior of your precious pennies. Here we’ve listed 5 of the best lockers for Dana 44 that might be worth your investment.
Our Top Picks
- Best for Rugged Off-Road: ARB RD116 Air Operated Locking Differential
- Best for Dirt-Packed area: Yukon YZLD44-4-30 Dana 44 Zip Locker
- Best for Stiff Terrains: Eaton 913A589 Detroit Rear Differential
- Best for Commuting: USA Standard SL D44-30 Gear Spartan Locker
- Best for Rocky Trails: YUKON-SL-D44-19-Spartan-Locker
Best Locker For Dana 44 Buyer’s Guide
Prior to investing in Dana 44 diff lockers that run beyond your budget, it is essential for you to reflect on their respective advantages to make certain you get the most out of your purchase. It is also important to select one that provides a pleasing experience. Here are a few vital factors to consider.
Type of the Differential
An important consideration when selecting a diff locker is the type of differential that it will be used with. The majority of diff lockers are designed to be used with a limited-slip differential, but many diff lockers can be used with open differentials as well.
This is important because some mechanical and electronic open differentials do not allow for the positive locking action that limited-slip differentials do. As a result, diff lockers that are used with open differentials may be less efficient than those designed specifically to work with limited slips.
Position
Depending on the type of vehicle and the equipment installed, the vehicle’s front and rear lockers can either complement each other, or you might be tempted to use the lockers in complementary ways. In any instance, front lockers make sense for vehicles with LSDs, while rear lockers are the choice for many other companies.
If you go off-highway in a car with open differentials, a rear locker is your best choice, as it’s more capable in certain off-road situations. An even better bargain for your investment will be given by rear lockers, given that the rear swing suspension remains in contact with the ground, keeping momentum unbroken. However, front lockers are no exception in this instance, either.
A front locker is a solid pick if you’re going to be climbing hills or hitching a ride up a steep hillside or over a boulder pile. But a lack of steering function can become an issue if you anticipate releasing excess weight away from the front axle
Terrain
The terrain is also an important factor to take into consideration. Rock crawling is very difficult on axles because crawlers often have extremely low gearing and require constant traction. The terrain where slippage occurs, like mud and sand, tends to be easier on axles.
However, driving on muddy surfaces typically needs high horsepower and significant amounts of mud can strengthen the suspension of a vehicle. When added together, these factors can severely jeopardize the health of the wheel-and-tire assembly.
Selectable or automatic?
Two of the most widely used forms of diff locks are selectable (manually operated), which engages the driver with the pushing of a single button, and automatic (DCS), which activates automatically at the moment when the brake pedal is released.
Depending upon your vehicle, this could be particularly convenient if you’ve got a front differential lock, since you may need to release its lock sometimes if you want to take a quick turn. An auto-lock, in comparison, remains locked until sufficient friction is applied to make the car wheels lock in order to enable the impeded differential.
Some selectable units may use pressurization from onboard compressors (generally mounted under the hood) and substantial pneumatic lines connected to the axle housings. While others use electrical magnets. However, two different rear diff locks can be engaged separately for each.
Both automatic and selectable diff locks have their advantages and disadvantages, and rusted-on loyalists who swear by each one have their reasons for doing so. However, you must weigh carefully before you make a decision.
5 Best Locker For Dana 44 Review
Well, let’s have a closer look at our top picks and know what makes them so special.
1. Best for Rugged Off-Road: ARB RD116 Air Operated Locking Differential
| Manufacturer | ARB |
| Weight | 25.3 pounds |
| Dimension | 10.63 x 10.63 x 11.02 inches |
| Type | Air Locker |
Introducing the ARB RD116 Air Operated Locking Differential. The world’s best-known device for increasing the traction of four-wheel vehicles, an ARB Air Locker is a driver-controlled locking differential that was officially developed and adapted to provide serious four-wheel vehicles adequate traction to withstand difficult off-road terrain.
In more than 100 countries worldwide, dedication to research and innovative design, the application of quality materials, and an unwavering approach to manufacturing have led to the ARB Air Locker’s commercial success.
For example, its patented design endured difficult conditions, due in part to its simplicity. Its greatest strength is its dependence on a few moving parts, and thus high dependability.
All structural components are produced using aerospace grades of high-alloy steel, and where possible, we increase the number of differential pinion gears to distribute torque loads evenly.
ARB Air Lockers are now available with a modern two-part design that surrounds the equipment programmed for superior power and sturdiness, as well as a five-year warranty that is twice as generous as its equivalent. Enrichment is under the notion that four-wheel drive and skid resistance are interchangeable you can’t have the other without the other.
Even though our team has found this locker one of the most affordable options, its capability might not be too overwhelming, which may seem to be a drawback.
2. Best for Dirt-Packed area: Yukon YZLD44-4-30 Dana 44 Zip Locker
| Manufacturer | Yukon Gear |
| Weight | 27.1 pounds |
| Dimension | N/A |
| Type | Zip Locker |
The latest generation of traction systems is the Yukon Zip Locker, which uses an air-operated design. Its independent differential device enables you to switch from a completely open differential to a locking mechanism when necessary, giving you unprecedented control over your vehicle.
In general, the compressors are sold separately from the lockers and will add to your total price, but the advantages will be worth it if it’s installed correctly.
Talking about the construction, this actuated locker’s internals and chassis are produced with robust materials to withstand user abuse and assurance for damages. So much so that in case of a breakdown, you are covered up to 2000 dollars.
Hence, if you damage incredibly powerful gear that needs completely new bearings and rigging to bring it back to life, Yukon can cover that up to 2,000 dollars.
Yukon Zip Lockers are air-operated differential lockers, like the ARB Air Locker, but with features and capabilities at a lower price point and without suffering durability or functionality.
It does a commendable job releasing air, but when we cycled the solenoid the axle would not unlock, so we extracted the airline. We also removed one of the sections of the solenoid valve from the airline, and there were no leaks heard from the airline or through the differential, and the fluids didn’t have any bubbles. Even with no case, we had to remove the tires from the axle to move on the hub.
3. Best for Stiff Terrains: Eaton 913A589 Detroit Rear Differential
| Manufacturer | Eaton |
| Weight | 24.5 pounds |
| Dimension | 9.5 x 8 x 8 inches |
| Type | Detroit Truetrac |
If you’re looking for a reliable differential locker that will last the test of time, then the Eaton 913A589 Detroit differential locker is definitely worth considering.
Thanks to its handy design, this unit is adaptable for a number of four-wheel-drive vehicles, such as the Dana 44. New models are released regularly in our four-wheel-drive industry, and new enhancements for our 4WD business are constantly being created. Our in-field research proved this series to be effortless for the purposes of mounting, and our four-wheel drives have been shown to inward their capabilities.
We’ve been absolutely blown away by the performance of our Dana 44’s rear locker thanks to a Dana engineering representative’s recommendation to mount it. Since we realize that handling a predicament by means of forwarding momentum gets us nowhere, we can instead take the locker from the back to the front, allowing us to be far more cautious and controlled.
This locker features two cables leading to the differential, and a switch that synchronizes it mechanically. Surprisingly, it is extremely silent too. The straightforwardness makes it simple to remedy when you’ve tripped, for example, and if a rock or branch pierces the cable, you just stay in the old section and add a new cable. All the connectors are dustproof and waterproof, and the design and engineering behind them are solid.
The locker comes with detailed directions for commissioning, and it is merely a matter then of removing the differential, switching the differential carrier, changing the components, checking the backlash, drilling a hole in the main housing, and connecting the wires to the dashboard.
The only drawback we encountered was its inconsistent fitment. You may need to dig holes for the perfect fitment. That’s why you should be more careful about it.
4. Best for Commuting: USA Standard SL D44-30 Gear Spartan Locker
| Manufacturer | US Standard |
| Weight | 5.54 pounds |
| Dimension | 12 x 6 x 3 inches |
| Type | Spartan Locker |
An excellent choice for optimization of the functions of your vehicle when driving near this property from US Standard is the SL D44-30 Gear Spartan Locker, which incorporates a robust design to provide a secure grip on your off-road vehicle, your daily commuter, and your daily driver.
Geared toward the Dana 44, this locker contains support for 30 different axles. Consequently, only by trying to include this part, you can significantly increase your vehicle’s handling performance. As a result, it also must be associated with the remainder of its positive aspects.
As Alternative Carrier Parts envisioned, the Spartan Locker retains the functionality of the standard differential carrier case without spider gears, thereby eliminating the need for gearbox compressors and thrust washers. The air spring design makes manual lock installation faster and easier.
They manage to overcome difficulties utilizing their innovative design, which includes a gentle, spring-loaded action and a spring pin. Spartan cloisters have nickel 9310 Chromoly drivers and couplers for their future-minded perk. Under tension, the center pin creates an urging force outward that helps the outer axle couplers drive both drive wheels with greater traction.
The Spartan Locker has many advantages. One is that it demands just 100 break-ins and after that, you’re charged revenue, as well as its initial cost and setup expenditure. The setup is simpler on the budget since you alone must install the product, with no need to buy the asset from a store or from an expert.
The major inconvenience regarding this unit is its user manual, which appears to be incomplete or includes inconsistent information. For example, the guidelines don’t even indicate the suitable length of wire to affix the clips, and they can be difficult to assemble but are highly noticeable when looking at them. Also, it does not specify the average spacing needed for the spacers to the center pin.
5. Best for Rocky Trails: YUKON-SL-D44-19-Spartan-Locker
| Manufacturer | Yukon |
| Weight | 5.52 pounds |
| Dimension | 12 x 6 x 3 inches |
| Type | Spartan Locker |
One of the best features to decrease the use of your vehicle is having the ability to install this locker. In addition, it is designed for Dana 44 (inclusive of 30-spline axles), which is why it is an invaluable tool for your car, as well. Emphasis should be laid on the other qualities of this material.
With its 30-spline-axle setup, this locker offers fantastic torque to the front and rear wheels, making it the ideal option for receiving exceptional balance, enhanced off-road stamina, and quick acceleration. Installing the rear storage box is a breeze, like any component of the same brand, and the quality of your ride rivals that of the stock items.
To get the most out of the power to your vehicle, this particular component will provide you with more traction. You may even eliminate the spider gears from your vehicle using this component. Then it will be easier to drive on over many road surfaces. As a result, your car will have the necessary traction on wet, icy, and muddy roads.
Due to the use of the 9310 steel material for the formation of this component, durability and a high level of efficiency when driving in harsh conditions are a few noticeable achievements you can expect from this locker. It has a formidable resilience resulting from the use of high-temperature high-impact teeth and durable tooth designs.
In addition, the protective natural finish applied to the locker will help prevent things like rust and corrosion from decaying it. As you purchase the unit, it may take a few minutes or nothing at all to begin using it on your rides. If you’re not making any modifications to the ride, the locker should be simple to attach and drop into place.
For some, this equipment’s price tag is a reason to purchase another, which is reviewed here. Some people swear by its price tag, but what it really comes down to is your spending budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I put a locker in the front or rear?
A vehicle driving in only the rear axle rather than the front end will be significantly better because the vehicle will have an additional axle connected to the rear. Given that the bonus traction increases the stability, barbecuing will usually not lead to any noticeable understeer.
Is Dana 44 better than 60?
If you seek to run large tires or oversized power, you need the Dana 60 axle. If you want something smaller, get the Dana 44 axle. Most people do not get how big a Dana 60 is, thus realizing little how heavy and weight in the unsprung condition can affect handling.
Do all Rubicons have Dana 44?
Dana has introduced a substantially different Dana 44 axle. Nevertheless, these aren’t longer, heavier, or stronger than Dana 30, 35, or 44 axles that were made in the past. These are not modifiable replacements, either, since they are not compatible with older Dana axles.
How big of a tire can a Dana 44 handle?
There isn’t a simple answer to your question. Everything from terrain, vehicle weight, driving style, and engine output to the general size of a Dana 44’s tires must be considered. The general rule is that any tire with a width between 36 and 40 inches should work.
How much weight can a Dana 44 handle?
The Dana 44 has a gross vehicle weight rating (GAWR) of up to 3,500 pounds (1,600 kg) and is semi-floating, with one bearing on the end of an axle shaft that supports the cycle of the vehicle weight on the axle, and allows axle rotation.
Final Words
The Best Locker For Dana 44 is the one that provides the highest level of security and traction for your vehicle. It is important to choose a differential that is both durable and reliable in order to keep your vehicle safe and on the road.
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