First and last time customer of 4WD Hardware
Thread Starter
JK Freak
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 772
Likes: 0
From: Cody, WY
First and last time customer of 4WD Hardware
Last week I purchased a "Dana 44 30 Spline 3.92 Up 4 Pinion E-Locker" from 4WD Hardware on their online website to only find out after taking it down to my mechanic to have new gears and the locker installed and the rear axle torn apart that this locker doesn't fit. 
After a few calls made by the mechanic and me to a few more technical people and other vendors (one vendor knew exactly where I had ordered it from without even hinting as to where I purchased it, has received the same calls numerous of times before for the same problem with the same company) we found out that you need the "Dana 44 30 Spline 3.73 Down 4 Pinion E-Locker" when using numerically higher gears such as the 5.13s I was having installed. No where on their website does it say that you will need to order this type of locker due to the fact that JKs have thick gears. In fact, on a Q&A on their website under the "Dana 44 30 Spline 3.92 Up 4 Pinion E-Locker" page, the following question is answered by one of their "expert" staff members that says the opposite.
Question:
Hello
Is this locker compatible with my rear dana 44 jk Sahara ?
Thank you
Asked on 1/23/2014 by Amedeo from San Cataldo sicily italy
Staff Reviewer
Answer:
Hello!
As long as your JK Wrangler has 3.92 and up (numerically) gears, then this Eaton E-Locker will be able to be fitted in your axle housing. The factory Dana 44 axle uses 30 spline shafts, just like this locker.
Answered on 1/24/2014 by Aaron S. from Ohio
That answer by their "expert" staff member is false. It actually takes the 3.73 and down gears.
After numerous calls to their customer service department does someone from 4WD finally tell me that I needed the other locker because of the JKs thick gears contrary to what is posted on their website both in the title and in the Q&A. And that "when referring to gears and lockers, their online website should only be used by mechanics." Not just any mechanics but "mechanics that know that Jeep JKs have thick gears and that it would require the 3.73 and down locker." They refused to help me any further than that and insist that I am wrong and say that I should have called when referring to gears and lockers. Who's to say I don't get the same response as the guy above? After a response like that, the poor customer service, lack of information on their website and by their "expert" staff, I will never buy from or recommend their site to anyone. Especially after this screw up will cost me about $300 in bearings, new locker from a different company, and return shipping when all said and done.
On a side note +1 to Rebel Off Road and Northridge 4x4 for awesome customer service who both have helped me out today with getting me the new parts out and shipped right before closing time.
After a few calls made by the mechanic and me to a few more technical people and other vendors (one vendor knew exactly where I had ordered it from without even hinting as to where I purchased it, has received the same calls numerous of times before for the same problem with the same company) we found out that you need the "Dana 44 30 Spline 3.73 Down 4 Pinion E-Locker" when using numerically higher gears such as the 5.13s I was having installed. No where on their website does it say that you will need to order this type of locker due to the fact that JKs have thick gears. In fact, on a Q&A on their website under the "Dana 44 30 Spline 3.92 Up 4 Pinion E-Locker" page, the following question is answered by one of their "expert" staff members that says the opposite.
Question:
Hello
Is this locker compatible with my rear dana 44 jk Sahara ?
Thank you
Asked on 1/23/2014 by Amedeo from San Cataldo sicily italy
Staff Reviewer
Answer:
Hello!
As long as your JK Wrangler has 3.92 and up (numerically) gears, then this Eaton E-Locker will be able to be fitted in your axle housing. The factory Dana 44 axle uses 30 spline shafts, just like this locker.
Answered on 1/24/2014 by Aaron S. from Ohio
That answer by their "expert" staff member is false. It actually takes the 3.73 and down gears.
After numerous calls to their customer service department does someone from 4WD finally tell me that I needed the other locker because of the JKs thick gears contrary to what is posted on their website both in the title and in the Q&A. And that "when referring to gears and lockers, their online website should only be used by mechanics." Not just any mechanics but "mechanics that know that Jeep JKs have thick gears and that it would require the 3.73 and down locker." They refused to help me any further than that and insist that I am wrong and say that I should have called when referring to gears and lockers. Who's to say I don't get the same response as the guy above? After a response like that, the poor customer service, lack of information on their website and by their "expert" staff, I will never buy from or recommend their site to anyone. Especially after this screw up will cost me about $300 in bearings, new locker from a different company, and return shipping when all said and done.
On a side note +1 to Rebel Off Road and Northridge 4x4 for awesome customer service who both have helped me out today with getting me the new parts out and shipped right before closing time.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
From: Okawville, IL
Sux to hear about your situation. I have been looking at the new 4 pin E-lockers too, but had already read that you need the 3.73 and down. Not blaming you in anyway but on every site and everything that I have read about the E-lockers says to make sure you buy the correct one. I have ordered several things from 4wd.com without issue. They have been great, fast & free shipping and have great prices.
You should be able to get a return, but your installer should've known better before even putting them in! I would not pay any extra for their mistake.
You should be able to get a return, but your installer should've known better before even putting them in! I would not pay any extra for their mistake.
Thread Starter
JK Freak
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 772
Likes: 0
From: Cody, WY
This was the first time I had ever heard about the 3.73 and 3.92 problem. They only list the 3.92 option on their site also. They do have great prices and fast shipping. But that's only part of what makes a good company.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: SLC, UT
I had a similar mix up last week with completely different results from a forum vender: OffroadElements.com. I had dropped off my JK to my installer last Wednesday and he realized I had been sent the wrong PN. I called Eric the first thing the next morning to ask about the mix up and he totally hooked me up. Eric overnighted me the right part and sent me a return label for the one I had. I got the right locker on Friday morning and was able to get it to my installer to have my rig all buttoned up that night.
It only took one call to Eric for him to sort everything out. He was awesome to work with and had the best price on the E-Locker and the Rancho shocks I bought at the same time. I get easily frustrated with bad customer service and was anxious when I got the call from my installer. I am being completely honest when I say Eric did everything right to fix the situation.
OP: did you get the rebate sent in? LINK TO REBATE
Future Reference: the correct PN for the eaton e-locker for 30 spline D44 on a JK is 19969-010.
It only took one call to Eric for him to sort everything out. He was awesome to work with and had the best price on the E-Locker and the Rancho shocks I bought at the same time. I get easily frustrated with bad customer service and was anxious when I got the call from my installer. I am being completely honest when I say Eric did everything right to fix the situation.
OP: did you get the rebate sent in? LINK TO REBATE
Future Reference: the correct PN for the eaton e-locker for 30 spline D44 on a JK is 19969-010.
JK Freak
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 830
Likes: 1
From: LI, NY
I had a similar mix up last week with completely different results from a forum vender: OffroadElements.com. I had dropped off my JK to my installer last Wednesday and he realized I had been sent the wrong PN. I called Eric the first thing the next morning to ask about the mix up and he totally hooked me up. Eric overnighted me the right part and sent me a return label for the one I had. I got the right locker on Friday morning and was able to get it to my installer to have my rig all buttoned up that night.
It only took one call to Eric for him to sort everything out. He was awesome to work with and had the best price on the E-Locker and the Rancho shocks I bought at the same time. I get easily frustrated with bad customer service and was anxious when I got the call from my installer. I am being completely honest when I say Eric did everything right to fix the situation.
OP: did you get the rebate sent in? LINK TO REBATE
Future Reference: the correct PN for the eaton e-locker for 30 spline D44 on a JK is 19969-010.
It only took one call to Eric for him to sort everything out. He was awesome to work with and had the best price on the E-Locker and the Rancho shocks I bought at the same time. I get easily frustrated with bad customer service and was anxious when I got the call from my installer. I am being completely honest when I say Eric did everything right to fix the situation.
OP: did you get the rebate sent in? LINK TO REBATE
Future Reference: the correct PN for the eaton e-locker for 30 spline D44 on a JK is 19969-010.
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