Recently purchased a D44 front axle and I'm looking to replace the open diff with a factory E-locker. I have never opened up a differential before, how difficult is this install?

 

well, you are essentially performing every step of regearing a jeep, even if you are not using different gears. it's a big job, not something most folks are doing.....unless you know what you are doing, and since you are asking, i would guess this is something you're probalby not going to do as a DIY.

for the amount it will cost in labor, new axle shafts etc, even if one could, this will never make sense. these things fail left and right. if you go through that effort it's going to be better to put a nice 35-spline locker in back there.

 

Unless you are familiar with setting up gears - preload, backlash, and such, probably not a good idea to try it yourself. Also, if it's not a Rubi locker it won't have the necessary connectors for the internal electrics which means drilling a hole in the differential housing. You won't have the factory engagement feedback, but all the solenoid needs is 12vdc to engage. Finally, the axle lengths are different for a Dana 44 with the factor locker vs without.

Overall, it's about the same difficulty as setting up and ARB air locker. Look at some YouTube videos to get an idea.

You might want to look into a "lunchbox locker". They can be installed without having to mess with gears or drilling holes in the diff. They aren't as strong, but it depends what you plan to do with your Jeep. Spartan and Ausie are two examples of a lunchbox design.

 

Well I said Factory E-locker, so it'd be a factory Rubicon E-locker for a D44 front axle I believe? Which are fairly cheap on ebay. It does seem there is already a hole in the diff housing for wiring but it seems theres a rubber plug in it. This axle does have to come apart no matter what since it sat outside for years not fully assembled filled with rust and I will check and probably replace all the bearings. I have a open diff in the rear axle too and if its mostly the same process then I'll probably get a locker for the rear

 

I see, OX does make a 35 spline E-locker, RCV does make 35 spline shafts but they are designed to work with the ARB air locker not sure if they will fit the OX, I'd rather not mess with installing a air system