I have wheeled my 07 Sahara unlimited for the past year or so with pretty good results. Its not stock but nowhere near being finished. I have been impressed by the limited slip differential on multiple occasions and have decided I would like to lock the front diff. My question to all of you expirienced jeepers is.....should I lock my Dana 30 or wait and purchase the rubicon 44 axel? I am currently running 33's and wont go bigger than 35's. I would like a selectable locker but cant see spending the $$$ without spending just a little more for the whole Rubicon axel. I would probably end up with an aussie or something similar if i keep the 30. My biggest concern with the Aussie locker is driving on snowy / icey roads in the winter. If there are any other options for the 30..I'm all ears. After wheeling for about 5 years, I know my Dana 30 can handle my tire size and driveing style...I just dont know if its worth putting money into when you can purchase the Dana 44 ready to roll at the price it is being offered at. Any input from you guys will be gretly appreciated. Thanks

 

Is there a downside to having the 44 in front if all you're intending to do is 33" with light to moderate offroading on a daily driver?

 

there is no downside. I just cant decide if I should junk my perfectly good 30. I dont think the 30 gets the credit it desrves yet the 44 is ouviously a better axel.

 

Nope. Is there a downside to driving a front Aussie in the snow? YES! There's plenty of folk here who can talk you through this install control arm to locker.

 

If I lived somewhere where i didnt have to worry about snow I would have already installed one. I love the snow though

 

does an aussie engage as soon as you shift into 4wd or when the differential detects slippage?

 

I am in the same boat. After reading about the autolockers the last few days, and knowing I want to drive in the snow, I have ruled that out. I was thinking of either an ARB air locker or the ECTED electric Locker for my front. I have been assuming the ECTED would be cheaper than picking up a recent vintage Dana 44 from a rubi ... how much have you seen the 44's selling for?
Kurt

 

Quadratec is selling the front dana 44 with factory locker for $1400 and the ARB locker for about $900. You would still need to purchase the compressor

 

has anybody installed an ox locker in a dana 30?

 

Break the 30 then get the 44. You're right. They're tougher than most give them credit for being.