Jeep Wrangler Stuck e-Locker (with Preventative Steps)

[@fjron]

They do work great and are strong. There is no point of failure related to electrical connections or components, or air lines and compressors in the case of an ARB. In some cases, they may be a little less civilized than the open differential that is available with a selectable locker, but who cares? No wheel can ever turn slower than the ring gear, but it can turn faster. You can have one wheel completely off the ground and power will be transferred to the one that is on the ground. You still get good differential action when going around corners.

[@Thexkidd]

Good info. My front locker got stuck in Moab. I live in Ontario Canada. Had to drive home. Took the axle shafts out and separated the stub shafts to put back in to support the wheel bearing. Worked. 2 wheel drive jeep. And good mileage. Lol

[@JustEmptyEveryPocket]

Wow that’s a lot of work hehe. Did the eLocker completely fail? Was the plate movable at all? I’ve been told I’m wasting money but planning on putting in a set of ProRock 44/60 with ARB air lockers next spring.

[@Thexkidd]

@@JustEmptyEveryPocket It happened the day before, but we were able to get the plate over to get it unlocked. The next day it happened again and was stuck on good. Worn out parts I guess. Fixed for 2100 Canadian. Works great now. May have a rear problem now. 😳

[@contemporaryprimitiveman3469]

I have a 2014 rubicon “X”. The e lockers work but the sway bar DC is sluggish. I had the dealer replace front axle seals and change diff fluid. I hope they did a good clean.

[@JustEmptyEveryPocket]

I actually gave up on my sway bar DC. Yanked the entire mechanism out and went to a manual bar with quick release. It's not as convenient as a button, but it disconnects & reconnects 100% of the time now :)

[@brbadventurer]

Thank you for this tip, I will store it in my brain for use if I ever run into this issue.

[@JustEmptyEveryPocket]

Thanks! Yeah, if this does happen out on the trail it can make the drive home a bit on the spendy side. I can't imagine what would break/wear out driving on the highway with a locked front end. I did a bunch of wheeling since I cleaned my locker; and I've used my lockers quite a bit, and they have been working perfectly. The front locker doesn't seem lazy any more; so fortunately for me, it was just a matter of cleaning it and blowing it out with compressed air. I did buy a spare front & rear diff assembly (including the electro magnet mechanism) just so I have them on hand just in case; but so far no issues at all.

[@yodalmcfloodel6407]

With the factory diff cover you can just pull the fill plug and get in there with a flat blade screwdriver and pop it loose. If it doesn't come loose drive Forward or back 180 degrees and try again. like you said keep it clean so you don't have to do it at all. I'm still learning that part 😅

[@JustEmptyEveryPocket]

Yep; this is the benefit of the factory cover. I’ve done a lot of wheeling all winter and haven’t had any issues with my eLocker; a good cleaning was all that was needed :)

[@fjron]

Have you thought about using a Detroit locker if you need to replace them? They are automatic and bullet proof. I am using one in the front axle too on my FJ40. You can still steer and get the traction of a locked differential. I love mine and would not trade them for anything.

[@JustEmptyEveryPocket]

Haven’t thought of them; assumed they were always locked; will definitely look into it now though.

[@Slambone77]

Good video! I just bought my daughter a 2004 rubicon from and old guy and he never knew it had a front locker and never used it in all the 20 years of owning it. I can’t get it to engage the light just keeps blinking. I’m hoping I can just clean it out and it may work.

[@JustEmptyEveryPocket]

It should. Just give it a good clean.

[@sheepdawg23wm]

I had the exact issue with my jk days after installing an ARB diff cover. I never removed the diff, and cleaned everything well. I wonder if the diff cover is causing some issues?

[@JustEmptyEveryPocket]

@@sheepdawg23wm I agree! I think it makes people lazy. It’s too easy to swap out the fluid. I’m actually on ProRock axles now with air lockers. Dynatrac forces you to take the shop cover off to swap the fluid. This gives time for inspection and cleaning if required.

[@Backroad-Adventures]

what do you use to clean the locker? is it carb cleaner/Brake claener?

[@JustEmptyEveryPocket]

I just used brake cleaner. It worked beautifully; the front eLocker worked perfectly all winter season. No issues with it getting stuck in the locked position at all.

[@boomer6942]

I have a question. Can you remove your electric swaybar disconnect and replace it with a normal stock or aftermarket swaybar, with disconnect links

[@JustEmptyEveryPocket]

That’s exactly what I ended up doing this year. Checkout the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3Ock62IZbB5ZtU

[@davidkay7389]

Have you decided which way your gonna go? Arb air, or stay with the E locker?

[@JustEmptyEveryPocket]

I’m going big! Dynatrac Dana44/Dana60 package; 4.56:1 gears on ARB air lockers.

[@mr.CooksBigly]

Thank you sir.

[@JustEmptyEveryPocket]

You are most welcome!

[@lorgar8939]

Mine locks and unlocks with no problems but the light flashes forever. So do I have to take everything apart and replace the sensor?

[@JustEmptyEveryPocket]

Most likely. If it’s locked the light should be solid…but that’s a big job for a minor inconvenience hehe. I would just live with it🤷🏻‍♂️

[@drrockf4d]

What did you use to spray and clean the locker?

[@JustEmptyEveryPocket]

I just used brake cleaner.

[@hotroddude6551]

Good informative vid. Straight to the point. But drilling and tapping your cover is too easy. Drill and tap for 3/8 pipe plug. Also ditch that oil. Vegetable oil is better than royal purple. LOL Get Amsoil Severe Gear.

[@JustEmptyEveryPocket]

@@hotroddude6551 I permanently fixed this issue with ARB air lockers inside ProRock axles :) I agree with the 3/8 pipe plug suggestion.

[@zachariahivanov4654]

In the stock diff cover the full hole might be in the right position

[@JustEmptyEveryPocket]

Yep; it's very likely. Worst case you can drill a custom hole higher up on the cover and use a bolt to keep it sealed. That wasn't an option for my ARB cover as it's extremely thick; not just a thin plate like the OEM cover.

[@Marty1911]

If you want to go with an air locker you will be replacing your axle housing. The Rubicon lockers and axle housings are unique. There are no aftermarket locker or differential options for a JK Rubicon axle housing.

[@JustEmptyEveryPocket]

Yepp. The plan is to go with the Dynatrac ProRock.

[@wvjeepguy8178]

Not true at all. Why make statements that you know nothing about? ARB has offered a compatible locker for the Rubicon housings for many years now.

[@wvjeepguy8178]

Ox also offers a replacement locker, which can be engaged by cable, electric, or air.

[@wvjeepguy8178]

@@JustEmptyEveryPocket really a waste of money if you already have a 44. You could just add a truss and gussets to your current housing.