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Aussie Locker for the Dana 44 rear

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Old 05-01-2015, 08:50 AM
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Default Aussie Locker for the Dana 44 rear

Does anyone have any experience with the new Aussie Locker for the Dana 44 rear? I see they just released it last fall and I searched and couldn't really find anything. I ran Aussie's front and rear in my XJ and I live in Duluth MN so yes I know you have to drive differently in the winter with an Auto locker in the rear. I am just wondering what impact the auto locker will have on the electronics in the JK. I am looking for people with direct experience with an Auto locker in the rear of a JK not what you heard from your cousin's sister's ex-boyfriend's neighbor's dog groomer's butcher.
Old 05-01-2015, 09:33 AM
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Do you have an auto or Manual. If you have a manual it doesn't much matter what you put back there you're OK.
Old 05-01-2015, 09:53 AM
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I have a 2 door sport automatic.
Old 05-01-2015, 11:06 AM
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OK, 10-4. You're gonna want some feedback from someone that has done it then. My buddy was going to go truetracs F/R like I did, but he received negative feedback from people that have tried it with an auto. I have a manual so i'm good with anything. Probably the biggest worry is going into "limp in" mode.

Originally Posted by duluthjk
I have a 2 door sport automatic.
Old 05-01-2015, 11:11 AM
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This was on the Yukon Gear site:

"In 2012 and newer jeep JK's with automatic transmissions any mechanical locker will cause the vehicle to go into limp mode as soon as you turn your 1st turn. This is due to the vehicle computer using the wheel speed sensors for traction control. we spoke to AEV last week and there is no programmer available to override this issue. you can however install our zip locker and use it in 4wd only. this works because when the vehicle is in 4wd the computer does not use the wheel speed sensors for traction control. From what we have gathered its only models with automatic transmissions. unfortunately there is no info available from the manufacture on these issues."
Old 05-01-2015, 11:18 AM
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His sig shows a 2010, that won't apply.

I haven't used a lunchbox, but ran a detroit rear. From what I have read, they lock up different than a lunchbox so my experience would not be helpful, but I am curious to read a few reviews on this new rear Aussie also.
Old 05-01-2015, 11:19 AM
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I didn't even catch that. Thanks for pointing that out.

Originally Posted by nthinuf
His sig shows a 2010, that won't apply.

I haven't used a lunchbox, but ran a detroit rear. From what I have read, they lock up different than a lunchbox so my experience would not be helpful...
Old 05-01-2015, 11:58 AM
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I have written to Aussie to see if they can shed some light on this. They must have done some testing before they released the locker.
Old 05-01-2015, 04:50 PM
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Can you put a kill switch in 2012 and newer, and over ride abs, traction control. As last resort?
Old 05-06-2015, 06:23 AM
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We have lots of experience with lockers, so I thought I would add some info here.

I am not familiar with the Aussie Locker, but there are other diff choices you can consider. First of all, you need a selectable locker in a JK axle. The ESC (Electronic Stability Control) system does not work well with automatic lockers, like the Detroit, and other ltd-slip devices.

The ESC in the 2012 & newer JK’s is more sensitive than prior year models. It cannot be turned off, switched off, or eliminated. You will not defeat it without disabling the vehicle so the auto trans won’t shift, putting it in limp mode, or limit driving to low-range 4x4 only.

I have a 2013 JK with a Detroit locker. The device works excellent off road, but you WILL get lots of ESC events, and limp mode. Any automatic (non-selectable) device will kick the car into limp mode. In the 2011 and earlier models without a selectable locker, you will need to remember to hit the ESC button EVERY time you start the car. Trust me, you will forget, and find yourself in limp mode frequently. This trick does not help in the 2012 & newer JK’s.

The other selectable locker choices are the Eaton E-locker, and the OX Locker. I do not recommend ANY of the imported Chinese knockoff diff’s that are advertised. You get what you pay for, and even less on imported knockoff products.

Eaton just released a new and improved E-locker for the 44’s. E-Lockers use electric actuation. Can’t vouch for it yet, but looks very promising. The previous E-lockers had 2 spider gears, and we felt our customers needed more. Therefore we have not recommended them in the past. Dynatrac seriously stands behind our warranty, and advocates for our customers. We do not want to get stuck in the middle of a diff warranty dispute, and will only work with partners that take their warranties as serious as we do. The Dana 60 version of the E-locker is still the 2-spider gear design.

The OX device is very strong and easily rivals the ARB durability. It is made in USA, whereas the ARB is not. It can be had with electric actuation. We are getting good feedback from customers using this device. OX also has versions for our ProRock line of axles. The device includes their special diff cover, since that is where the connection takes place.

We have had very good success with ARB, and also have a good relationship with them. I have never had them decline any of the very few warranty claims through Dynatrac. We have installed thousands of ARB’s.

We are currently looking at new selectable diffs coming on the market. The latest Auburn Gear Ected Max for the Dana 60 looks very encouraging.
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