Hi Everyone,

I just received my new 5.13 from Northridge.

I will be having somone install the gears who has done a lot of gear sets; but, not Jeeps/lockers. I am confident he has the knowledge for most of what is required, and the contacts to call should he have questions.

One thing I would like to avoid is the problem with the locker indicator switch that has been experienced by others (i.e. blinking). I have searched the forum, and I have been able to print out quite a bit of great information that he can use for reference.

I would like to make sure I understand the indicator switch issue well enough to give him good advice. I have a couple of questions that may help. (Pardon me if this has been covered in other posts... if it has, I haven't located it.)

1. Removal of the Switch: At what point in the disassembly should the switch be removed? And, is there anything that needs to be done to make sure the switch isn't damaged at that time?

2. Reinstallation of the Switch: At what point during the gear install should the switch be reinstalled?

(Where I'm a little confused is that it my understanding is that the switch should be removed at the start of the disassembly (before removing the carrier?) but that it should be reinstalled before installing the carrier.)

Thanks for any advice that can be offered.

Jeff

 

In the factory service manual, there is no mention of removing the indicator switch in the differential removal procedure.

However, in the switch removal procedure, it says to remove the diff, THEN remove the switch. And at installation, it says to install the switch, THEN install the diff.

So, if the switch is to be removed to get it out of the way for multiple diff removals/installations for measurement purposes, the switch comes out after the diff, and goes back in before the diff.

The switch has been damaged from not being installed correctly, or installed at the wrong time.

Ask your mechanic if he has the tech data for the JK Dana 44 with the locker.

 

Hi Scott,

Thanks for the suggestion.

I have already purchased the gears, and I am somewhat committed to the shop that I have been talking with about the install. (I have used them for other differential work in the past.)

I'll let you know if anything changes. He sounds like someone that's pretty good to know.

(How do you guys work it with it being so far away? Take your JK and leave it for a few days, or, do you wait around the area while he does it?)

Thanks again for your reply.

Jeff

 

Hi,

Thanks for your input.

I have the Jeep Service Manual, and you are correct. It states exactly what you said. (Although, like with all the other mechanical content, I find that manual to lack a lot of details... at least it doesn't go out of its way to give any explanation.)

I guess my confusion had to do with the need to remove the switch. It sounds like the switch needs to come out during the gear setup to keep it from being in the way or damaged.

Thanks

Jeff

 

Hi Scott,

Kind of an obvious question... How confident can I be of their guarantee? That's kind of a haul should something go wrong.

I like a bargain as much as one; but, I have learned my lesson about getting what you pay for a couple of times. I like to be sure.

I'm curious about the sleeves and gussets, too. I have gussets for mine to be installed (probably before the gears). I considered sleeves.... but, I am pretty certain that I will be staying with 35s.... at least for a few years. I have gotten mixxed comments about the need for sleeves with 35s. Anything in particular convince you?

Thanks for any information you can share.

Take Care

Jeff