Eaton’s Detroit E-locker technology has become increasingly popular over the past several years with off-road enthusiasts around the world. In unlocked operation, E-locker differentials operate as a typical open differential, however when switched into locking mode by the user, E-lockers go to work immediately, using an electro-magnetic field to lock the differential, “Once it’s locked, it’s not coming unlocked until it’s switched off,” says Eaton’s Barney Gwozdz.

Eaton introduced their new four-pinion E-locker for the popular Dana 44 differential at the 2013 SEMA show. “The four pinion design allows for more load dissipation”, says Gwozdz. According to him, this allows for greater strength, increased tire size, more aggressive gearing, or even more power, all the things that come with the benefits of greater load dissipation.

Like all E-locker differentials, Eaton includes the necessary electrical components for installation in the Dana 44. There are two small challenges for enthusiasts installing one of these units. The first is deciding where to mount the activation switch, and the fact that it’s a square body, which makes cutting the necessary hole a little more of a delicate matter. The second is how to run the wires to the locking differential. According to Eaton’s Jeremy Wundy, the wires aren’t polarity sensitive in the differential, “Either way it’s connected will generate the necessary field to activate the E-locker,” he says. “Owners can either drill a hole in their differential case, or run the wires between the cover and the differential, after creating a small gap for the wires to fit.

Dana 44 owners will no doubt be picking up the new Detroit E-locker for their front or rear differentials in the near future and making their way to the trails to find out just how much more capable their off-road rig is with this piece of new hardware from Eaton.