Four Pinions, More Muscle: Eaton’s ELocker Lineup Grows Into Dana 60 And Dana 80 Territory

Until now, owners of heavy-duty trucks with a Dana 80 rear axle had to look beyond Eaton when they wanted selectable traction. That changed with the latest expansion of the ELocker family, which made its public debut at the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Eaton’s Mobility segment introduced next-generation ELocker differentials for the Dana 60 and Dana 80, including the company’s first Dana 80 ELocker. Both are built around a new four-pinion architecture that Eaton plans to use as the base for future additions to the line.

Open When You Want It, Locked When You Need It

The ELocker idea is still simple. In everyday driving, the differential works like an open unit. The rear tires can turn at different speeds through corners, so steering stays predictable and tire wear stays in check. Flip the switch and an electromagnet engages the lock collar, tying both axle shafts together. Power then goes to both wheels for mud, sand, rock ledges or a slick boat ramp. There’s no air compressor to mount and no lines to route, which keeps the install clean on trucks that already have plenty going on underneath.

Built Stronger From The Inside Out

The biggest upgrade is strength. Four pinion gears spread the load across more contact points than a two-pinion design, and Eaton reinforced the rest of the unit to match. The new lockers use a ramp-style design, a reinforced thrust washer with more surface area, a larger lock collar, an upgraded cross-shaft, a strengthened cast-iron case and added ring gear bolt support. These changes are aimed at the abuse that comes with big tires, heavy trailers and high-torque diesels.

Sized For Heavy-Duty Axles

The Dana 60 4-Pinion ELocker fits rear axles with a 9.75-inch ring gear and 35-spline shafts. It’s available for gear ratios of 4.10 and lower, as well as 4.56 and higher. The Dana 80 4-Pinion ELocker is designed for rear axles with an 11.5-inch ring gear and 40-spline shafts, and it supports ratios of 4.10 and up. That gives owners of three-quarter-ton and one-ton trucks, along with custom axle builds, a selectable locker sized for serious work.

“Built by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, the new Dana 60 ELocker reflects Eaton’s commitment to product innovation driven by real-world feedback and experience,” said Emily Styburski, product manager for Aftermarket Performance at Eaton’s Mobility segment.

Availability

Both new applications are scheduled to begin shipping in March 2027. Eaton says its current Dana 60 ELocker remains the recommended solution and will stay fully supported, with no immediate changes to availability, ordering or customer support. The four-pinion units add to the lineup rather than replace anything, giving buyers more choices as Eaton keeps expanding its traction products to more vehicles.