ELECTRIC LOCKER FAILURE ON OUR JEEP! What Happened?!

[@zmotorpro]

New Lite Brite wheels? Right on!

[@berniedmj1]

Rory from trailmater have said something like this, “electrical or air lockers are great until they malfunction. That’s why I like to manually lock my lockers.”

[@trjnsd6874]

You two are so much fun in the PlayPen! I've never had as much fun as y'all working on vehicles. So much parts, so much to learn. As the old Scotsman engineer said, "The more complicated you make the plumbing, the easier it is to plug up the drain." I still haven't finished cleaning and detailing since TrailHero. Have fun getting StepChild all dirty again! LIteBriteNationFixingAndBuilding!

[@edwardsimmons3721]

Great explanation of what lockers you use and why. The ox locker I had was a cable style. I always hated the cable bracket.

[@samwalker3441]

Great episode you guys. Yes! on the E-lockers. They are total crap. I went through 2 in 9,000 miles and I did not abuse them. They have a design flaw with those short engagement teeth. I would never recommend an E-locker to anyone.

[@yamhammer]

Another episode of life with Kevin and Chris. Thanks guys

[@MrBillsfishin]

Such an amazing Jeep and you two together is always a party.

[@2gnospam]

In cases where you would be thinking of using locktite on fasteners for the drivetrain consider using "stage 8" instead. Totally mechanical locking. I use them on my GT40 on the header bolts and the CV joint bolts and a few others. Never an issue. Worth the piece of mind!

[@alraybaca6235]

I love the way it looks as is

[@quinnmortensen1415]

I'm old school. I run Detroit lockers front and rear on the YJ. It sometimes sucks.....

[@Franko1942]

I fully agree, mechanical Detroit's in my yj too.

[@68061678]

Some times they just dimple rotors to vent gas a debris but don’t drill holes to prevent cracking

[@edzimdahl1158]

Been watching a while and while stepchild may suffer breakage at times shes an incredible well thought out and executed build as evidenced by her abilities of the trail and being driven between events,,,

[@Donmar21]

Having installed several ARB and E-lockers, I will only ever run ARB. Craftsmanship quality is unmatched. Several E-lockers damaged right out of the box during shipment (lock ring tabs broken). Plus, ARB you can lock immediately when bound, where as the E-locker needs to rotate in order to lock.

[@Yeeyee_jeeps]

I think eaton has a feature of the ring side journal wearing away. I wore down 2 Eaton’s before switching. (Replaced for locking failures…not the journal) the journal starts the correct size…never figured out why they wear down, but hasn’t happened on any other brand. And has happened on 4 of 4 Eaton’s I removed (3 different jeeps). I loved my OX (still run them on my sons jeep…he’s not as hard on it as I am) Their D60 spider gears last year stopped holding up, I destroyed my ox spider gears 3 trips in a row. Went back to ARB (clearly the strongest of the 3) and never looked back…I think you made the right choice.

[@richsmith3120]

Nothing like fixing the Step Child after a long trip. Happy Trails to all at LBN!

[@joshuabaker5712]

Been watching this build for a while now. Looks great. Also good info on the e locker.

[@rickaccurso]

Thank you Kevin for explaining the differances in the lockers, I've been going back and forth now for a while trying to decode which one. Great video as always.

[@gregcooper2739]

Step Child is an ultimate build! Love watching it come together without drama! Fun to watch and I’m learning at the same time. Don’t change anything great program keep up the great work.

[@Bristol1]

I'm hoping for some Jimny content! I daily drive my 96, it's a blast! Bummer the E locker didn't work out, looks like Chris got it all fixed up though 👍

[@madmikecustomrcrockcrawlers]

Step child is looking awesome. Badass jeep Brittany and Kevin. The new U-Haul K truck is badass.

[@billlindamood3243]

You guys should go bug OX and see if they can make a locker and cover that works with Dynatrac housings. Get them to do both the 60 and Pro Rock 44 (for us poor folk that stayed 5 lug). TIA! I've had no serious problems with my ARBs, but I've always loved that manual engagement option as a backup.

[@oneboomer1729]

Love to watch this channel and have been watching for a couple of years now. I am amazed at the skill level of Chris and love to watch his videos. Also love to watch both of you wheel and do all the stuff you do, but there seems to be a "fire sale" going on with the sale of all your vehicles. Hope all is good and keep doing what you do!

[@Dave872010]

Appreciate you sharing the info on the e-locker. Mine has skipped on me 2 or 3 times. Unfortunately I’m not as handy as Chris so I’m going to keep running it until it quits. Then I’ll learn how to replace something like that.

[@rockercover]

Your front diff. cover does look different than the familiar (to me), Dana; which is more commonly seen. One surprise when I first started getting into front end gear repairs, was how much heavier the front covers are, verses the rear. (Working on an older 4X4). Thanks for showing more about your’s.

[@jeffcombs8237]

Despite all the discussion, yall two make a good team.

[@Casey250]

I agree with the coil springs and good adjustable shocks.

[@jasonirvin6782]

Also I run OX front and rear I don’t know why more people don’t run them I love it and I hate the sound of air lockers (personal opinion). I also like knowing I have a mechanical locker in case of failure. The big issue is running the lines they are stiff! I’ll tag yall on insta my setup but bottom line mechanical is the way to go!

[@tonyspencer9350]

OX with cable. If it fails you can run it manually. Love watching your channel

[@guitarman864]

I have a 06 jeep tj with 35"s with a stock Dana 30 and a stock Dana 35 in the rear, I have spartan lockers front and rear with Yukon gears with rcv axles and I have just over 60k miles on the build, and I've never had one issue out of anything knock on wood, I do a lot of wheeling up at windrock, giving I don't beat it up and very easy on it, but drive it to and from the trails, I live in Greenville s.c so windrock is about a 4hr ride each way ... I don't do anything super crazy on the trails but do run most of the black diamond trails!! I just enjoy crawling around in the woods is my happy place😉

[@FatGreenSheep]

for the driveshaft bolts, it may be overkill and more work to remove the driveshaft in the future, but what I did is run longer bolts and put nuts on the backside of the flange.

[@johnwaldron5244]

My Sami is tracked and have a roxor tracked, they are a blast getting to my cabin a 9000 ft!

[@backwoodstherapy]

Sad to see that Eaton, a company that was once the standard in elockers, has switched to an inferior design and is denying warranties when these lockers fail.

[@MotterMayhem]

Glad you got the locker fixed so quickly. Hopefully the arb works properly for you guys.

[@kentrathjen8411]

Would love some options for the Bronco ! Waiting to see !

[@ivanferguson2509]

I've only used e-lockers once, failed. Totally shredded the thing, never used them again. I understand the concept and if they can just get the strength up be Totally cool, just not there yet.

[@1sheinz]

ARB has a pro locker that when it fails or loses air it will stay locked. Allowing you to get off the trail and worry about repair then. Way better and no worry if you lose air. Once you've had 46's you'll never want 40's again. But you will need to upgrade to 52's after that. Is that just Canadian, cause no one wheels less that 44's here in BC CA CHEERS AND SAFE TRAVELS Steve h.

[@22jeep]

Fwiw you can run an exhaust port hose. I got mine from Marlin crawler. I’m sure you can get them other places but it allows you to run an exhaust line outside of the cab if it decides to purge any diff oil.

[@neilkirkes]

If you are going to crash lock a newer ARB, you need to change out the pressure switch on the compressor for a higher one. The newest style of locker doesn’t have rounded/synchro looking teeth. They are perfectly square. For the Eaton, it’s funny how they can make a new product that is worse than the original.

[@StormbornJKU]

Step child looking sick as always!!!

[@raystevens687]

Wow Kevin I'm wondering if you should invent your own design of lockers that you could have a company build them for you. That way you get what you really want

[@jpk0612]

My Eaton did the same exact thing on the first trail I did. Fusion Dana 60 brand new lol. Now I have an ARB 😂

[@Nanan00]

EBC pads throw a ton of dust and squeal, I have had them on a few different cars and its always the same thing from about 5k miles and on.

[@edzimdahl1158]

Not really sold on the whole selectable locker thing, yes very nice and convenient yet every one has the potential for failing at the worst possible time of need, thru sheer luck(?) I've always gotten by with just an old fashioned type locker in the rear

[@thomasrossi31]

What machinist needle gauge & magnetic mount do you use?

[@toddandmargo]

Don’t you love it when you , hit it right , the first time ! 😊

[@rodhester2166]

Dimpled discs are better for heavier vehicles vs. holes, at least that is what research indicates. My two pennies. lol

[@Dave872010]

Hope your wheel line comes in cast aluminum. We just got my wife a rig and I’d love to find something nice but different than the kmc’s on mine.

[@LiteBrite]

We’re already working on a less expensive cast option as well! 😊

[@jcure]

My Detroit lockers used to pop all the time. Just nature of the beast. (they bind up then unwind on hard surfaces) But these are lockers from years ago. I mean I was putting these in in the 70s and 80s but still. Maybe samo samo?

[@LiteBrite]

These should not pop. Detroits are made a different way

[@jcure]

Thanks for taking the time to reply@@LiteBrite Being from a prior era of "wheeling" I was only recently exposed to the world of air and electric lockers and the like. Some of the stuff you have is amazing. In my day having a model44 front diff. was a big deal. Also all the premium driveline and differential goodies. I'm actually one who enjoyed the differential teardown and getting a peek inside, And know how to read the gears, play and shimming etc. so Chris and Kevin props for taking the time. PS I used to go to SEMA (as a retailer) back in my day. Wish I could meet you all. But Hell, I snuck into a Willie Nelson concert with a Chicago Bears cheerleader one year. So had my fun.

[@davidyost763]

So Kevin for a daily and rock crawler (weekend) you would recommend rock krawler over metalcloak?

[@phillipcraggs6202]

is it only the large axles the E-lockers are having issues? I have E-lockers in my Spicer D44's, I've had no problems so far after 3 years.

[@wesalexander4844]

Can’t go wrong with OX. No matter the actuation you have, you can use the drive away lock when all else fails

[@jeepguy04]

i have a tj 98 and have a true track in the rear and doing the same for the front what do u guys think about those compared to real lockers.

[@speeddr2000]

First time out at sand hollow last week. Tried filling it turned terrible. What do y'all use to record and how many cameras do you use ?

[@marcbee1234]

I'd love to go to SEMA but I heard it's only for people in the automotive industry, is there a way for regular folks to get in?

[@obummamumma978]

I absolutely hate to tell you this... I have never owned a single air locker unit, nor known anyone who owned an air locker unit that DID NOT DEVELOPE AN AIR LEAK and not function. No matter what lines, sealants, seals, whatever, they ALWAYS developed some jobs some kind of loss of integrity in what was supposed to be a closed system and failed to operate. It's like a "guaranteed water proof component" that was only water RESISTANT. I CANNOT tell you how frustrating and maddening, but especially DISAPPOINTING this turns out to be AFTER THE SALE and repeatedly y the case with literally everybody. It just takes time, but this is always the case. I'm very sorry to down this as I know and feel your disappointment with the E-Locker and your optimism with the air locker. I was there and so many friends. I hope and pray that this will be a miracle for you. 🙏🤗

[@pennypackmtb2542]

I guess it's just better to get out and push

[@LiteBrite]

Air locker’s definitely have their draw backs as well, which is why we have always combined the different types (up until now).

[@Tanner731]

detroit lockers are the only answer. or detroit front/ox rear

[@Beat98TJ]

I have had 10!in my vehicles and probably another 10 friends vehicles. Zero issues.

[@georgec6228]

One might think step sister is avoiding cleavland rock...😂

[@GJRII]

Kevin- did you live the Austin TX about 14 years ago?

[@LiteBrite]

Yup.

[@wildskyoverland]

Who makes the tailgate mount for the Rotopax?

[@jasonirvin6782]

Almost first like lol! I don’t know why liking a video first is a sport!

[@stevencherrett-eb6zh]

Why not Yukon Grizzly Locker what is that like compared to an ox Locker

[@Stangherbie1234]

I run Detroit lockers front and rear. Early Bronco in 2wheel it drives fine in 4 wheel it’s fine until I shift the transfer case into 4x4. Then it’s game on and handling doesn’t matter. I’ve also run in 3 wheel with one hub. Watched to many failures on air and e-lockers.

[@tommyhinson7494]

Spicer is still using the Eaton. And that’s the bulk of what they offer.

[@gilbertarnold8666]

Great video thank you!

[@freeidaho-videos]

A cab-forward rock crawler would give the driver amazing visibility.

[@vivekvanukuru3685]

maybe throw a full-sized spare off the back to get the ride height where you want it? But not positive that's the correct fix since all that weight off the back might make the handling go to shit lol

[@LiteBrite]

We can’t run a spare with the type of wheeling we do.

[@torreyporter2837]

​@LiteBrite what does the ground to underside of the frame measure at ride height?

[@calvinh.8882]

One of those mini trucks would be sweet with a drop box and a set of 3/4-ton axles under it sitting on a set of 38s. lol.

[@RobertKohut]

Risky on the bar... 🙂

[@jasontf2947]

There’s always something with the stepchild.

[@andm6847]

3:45 "and we're gonna be careful" hahahahaha like you even know how to be careful with your gear. you gonna beat the crap out of it like you do with every other piece you own🤣😂

[@davidiley529]

Ashcroft air locker

[@anthonymorales148]

Yes!!! Dumped mini truck!!!

[@squeakin3]

2 months ago I commented saying, I broke my e locker on a rig similar in weight, 100 less HP but a 43in tire and I was curious how long your e locker would last. The answer is 2 months. 😂

[@LiteBrite]

It lasted 2 trails. Not even 2 months. Literally first time out wheeling

[@toddandmargo]

@@LiteBrite😂

[@JW-cn6op]

No wheels for Chris?? Haha

[@lancebroell3397]

Just three points: 1) Whoever installed the Elocker should have stopped when they discovered that the machining on the Elocker was defective, the carrier bearings must be a press fit. That's poor workmanship. 2) You state that it's okay to crash lock (locking a locker while under load) an ARB, this is incorrect. The only ARB that can survive crash locking is the Competition ARB, which is only available for Ford 9-inch axles. 3) A full 12 volts is an absolute requirement for any Elocker (Eaton or Auburn), as low voltage will cause exactly the problem you are describing.

[@richardfleming9243]

The ox locker sucks I had problems all the time...

[@LiteBrite]

Oh. That sucks to hear

[@GarageGeek]

If OX was so great people would actually be using them these days. They sound good in theory, but who hasn’t had an ebrake go soft on them? Yeah, that’s a manual cable locking system too guys. Cables stretch. OX diff covers are also primitive and promote oil aeration and have poor oil flow characteristics.

[@Duran102192]

What about 6 lugs for Toyota

[@LiteBrite]

Yup

[@zapman2100]

seems like the didnt even bed in the new brake pads at all EBC brakes are great with very little noise if you follow the directions!

[@LiteBrite]

We’ve raced cars for a very long time. We 100% did the bed in

[@austinmcbride7139]

I do NOT recommend driving a K truck in the states...or anywhere really. They are death traps in a front end collision of any kind....even just hitting a deer can be serious injuries. The only reason those tin cans and other yellow plates like it are even acceptable in japan is because the speed limits are so low...and many people throughout Japan (especially Okinawa) are impoverished so those vehicles are dirt cheap. They're "cool"..but seriously not worth the risk imo

[@LiteBrite]

These things primarily only see property use, with rare occasional treks into town (backroads with

[@dixiemae5042]

53rd 🤒

[@randyberthoud1396]

You guys have so many breakdowns.... It seems you spend as much time working on your jeeps as you do off roading. LOL

[@LiteBrite]

Only a handful in 5+ years isn’t exactly what we would consider “so many”, but different perspectives I suppose? 😊

[@LOVE-62]

Did you guys leave Bilstein ?

[@LiteBrite]

We still work with Bilstein, just not exclusively.

[@tylerbuhite5432]

Killin it as always. Chris is such a multitool. Stay sexy.

[@Mr_Eyeholes]

I’ve been super happy with my OX cable lockers front and rear. They used to use a different cable that got them a lot of hate for being unreliable, but the cables they use now have been dead reliable for me. Routing the cables wasn’t hard at all compared to how people make it seem (2 door TJ with Clayton long arm kit), but YMMV. PLUS - having all the levers (6spd manual with a throttle control on the shifter, transfer case lever, and the two OX levers) is a blast!

[@Tony-hf9mv]

Now with all the abuse the E- lockers held up pretty good over the years. What about those tiny brakes? Thought you were going to upgrade by now

[@Tony-hf9mv]

OK I should have watched until the end before commenting about the brakes

[@LiteBrite]

This e-locker has only seen 2.5 trails (it failed on the 3rd trail). Our OLD e-lockers in our old axles held up for years. But the company has apparently made changes in the last 2 years, and the new ones are failing like this pretty often from what we’ve heard.

[@trjnsd6874]

Sixth....sorry, I was watching Matt's and Hollie's videos from this morning....

[@SpicyEvo]

6 lug for us Toyota folk?

[@LiteBrite]

Yeah

[@DesertRunner9875]

WHAT!!!! NO BIKINI WASH !!!!

[@davidgray721]

are you not sponsored by Bilstein anymore?

[@LiteBrite]

We still work with them, but not exclusively. 🙂

[@foygill711]

From my experience you will have a failure with arb.

[@TheGreatestShowman69]

The last time I was this early my gf left me

[@jasonirvin6782]

That … was Funny! Lol!

[@Surago]

​@@jasonirvin6782yeah but he flubbed it. "Last time I CAME this early my GF left me"

[@jasonirvin6782]

@@Surago This is also true… this is also why she threw the deuces!

[@TheGreatestShowman69]

@@Surago If I wanted any lip from you I would have dropped my zipper. And before you even think about clapping back, just know if I wanted a comeback I’d wipe it off your chin.

[@moretoliving2236]

If I was you... I would contact the locker manufactuer and talk about getting a refund. I mean clearly that is a fault on their end if their machining or lack of their of or overdone did it... that would cause failure of the part that has not failed because it broke but because it was built wrong in the first place. You already have video evidence proving that part is faulty so I say ship it to them and get a refund.

[@LiteBrite]

They are denying all claims

[@moretoliving2236]

@@LiteBrite uff well in that case they are getting a ton of unwanted bad publicity because of exposure on your channel. I suppose its their choice to make.

[@GarageGeek]

I could see this ending the Eaton product line. I mean, who would ever roll the dice on one now? And that tooth engagement looked a bit weak for the stresses a D60 can handle, compared to ARB anyway…

[@timf6916]

Nice

[@Tanner731]

just go detroit front, you have selectable hubs up front front

[@pullingtaffyproductions8148]

I would like your old tires lol. For sale or kick down mF'er 😂.....

[@bustedknucklepulling1826]

I think you had a dynatrac problem not a e locker problem that should not have left like that jmo!

[@LiteBrite]

It’s an elocker problem. We posted on Fb and got dozens of responses saying theirs all failed too unfortunately 😢

[@DD-xx8wh]

mechanical = no problems

[@mastermoarman]

You should put portals on it and 46s

[@chillis28]

👍❤️ #Jellynation

[@Daveinet]

BUT its got 700 Kevin miles, which way different than normal miles...

[@abdullaalduwaisan]

Fourth 1st person