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Advise on getting e lockers on 2015 Jeep Sahara

15K views 45 replies 18 participants last post by  pocketlint 
#1 · (Edited)
Can you guys advise me on what kind e lockers I should be looking for and what kind of cost could I expect for parts including switch and labor
Any chance you could suggest some shop in Toronto area would be greatly appreciated
I am hoping to have it done prior to Spring to be ready for season:)

Thanks in advance
 
#2 ·
in because I have a sahara and this interests me
 
#4 ·
I am planning a Detroit E-Locker on the front of my Willys soon. Lots of options out there and that's what I landed on. I have LSD in the rear and don't plan to change that as long as the clutch packs are still working.

I started out thinking I'd go the lunchbox route (Aussie, etc.) but decided the compromises are not what I wanted in my Jeep. If cost is an issue, it seems they do a good job for pretty cheap, and they're a simple, self-contained solution. But I wanted full selectability, and didn't want air lockers.
 
#7 ·
I am planning a Detroit E-Locker on the front of my Willys soon. Lots of options out there and that's what I landed on. I have LSD in the rear and don't plan to change that as long as the clutch packs are still working.

I started out thinking I'd go the lunchbox route (Aussie, etc.) but decided the compromises are not what I wanted in my Jeep. If cost is an issue, it seems they do a good job for pretty cheap, and they're a simple, self-contained solution. But I wanted full selectability, and didn't want air lockers.
No such thing for our factory LSD. Just gears.

To the OP, Auburn Gear and Eaton e-locker are the ones i am aware of in the electrical side on the house for lockers. Pretty much pick your poison, both are good companies. i think the most difficult thing is finding a good shop to do it and that will warranty the work.

Good luck.
 
#5 ·
I'd like to stay away from air lockers too as I like to be able switch em on with a push of one button and no air compressor needed
What about Eton?
I seen some on line pricing my only question is when I look at the price is it typically front and back or just one of em?
 
#35 ·
I'd like to stay away from air lockers too as I like to be able switch em on with a push of one button and no air compressor needed What about Eton? I seen some on line pricing my only question is when I look at the price is it typically front and back or just one of em?
Hi I'm getting rear E locker and 4.56 Yukon Gears installed by Rock Spyder 4x4 located in Markham.
They came highly recommended to me and very reasonable.
In this area I got 3 quotes ranging from 3500 taxes in to 4200 taxes in
It's around 10 hrs total labour
Eaton E lockers around $1100 each for front and rear, gears including the master instal kit around $1200 plus labour.
If you want front and rear lockers and regearing around 5k.
Not cheap to do especially in Canada lol
Hope this helps
Fred
 
#6 ·
I just got my rear Eaton E-Locker installed yesterday. Parts and labor were about $1,500.

I thought that I wanted a front lunchbox (Aussie, etc) because I have the LSD in the rear but after a long talk with the experts at the Jeep Performance Inc, I decided on the rear (didnt want to do both, so had to choose front or rear).. I didnt like the idea of the lunchbox always being engaged any time I was in 4WD (making it impossible to steer) and was also concerned about how hard it would be on my D30 front axel. It was also explained to me that for things that I will be doing most often (like going up hills), when choosing front or rear only, because of the weight transfer, rear would be a better choice.

I went with an electric/selectable so that I can decide when to turn it on/off as opposed to a lunchbox (always on in 4WD).
 
#8 · (Edited)
OP: what type of driving are you planning to do with your Sahara?

I also looked into getting Detroit e-Lockers for my 2014 Sahara. Everything I read about them was very good: they are sturdy, reliable, proven lockers and well worth the money.

HOWEVER, I have a Rubicon that use for off-roading, while my Sahara is primarily for on-road use, with the occasional snow and dirt road use.

After doing more research, based on the type of driving I will be doing with my Sahara, I decided to get the Detroit TrueTrac LSD instead --mine didn't have LSD from the factory. I paid US$1,100, including parts and labor.

I got to drive with the Detroit TrueTrac LSD in the snow over New Years: it works like a charm!

 
#10 ·
Not sure what kind of off-roading I get my self into but after getting the jeep 2 weeks ago and reading whole bunch of forum info and checking youtube I do know I will need locker to do any kind of off-road worthy trails
The trails around my place Toronto area (concession trail, perry sound or maiden) look pretty serious to me.
The reason I did pick Sahara over rubicon I use this car to get around work wise lots of highway and I figured that all I am really missing from the two is lockers plus I kind of like the idea of building my own personal jeep .
I did use to have a atv that I used extensively on our backcountry roads here in Ontario but wanted more space (kids and wife will do that to you)

Another question would be if it is absolutely necessary to have both front and back or can I cheep out on rear only?
Would this hinder my off-roading in any way would I be less capable?
 
#13 ·
Serious suggestion for you:

Buy a winch and some recovery equipment (or always go out with people who have them.) Use your Sahara as it is. Find out if you ever get stuck, and if so, why. Figure out if a front, or rear, locker would have saved you in that situation, or if you got stuck because of some other reason that a locker wouldn't help. (Such as, all four tires are in greasy mud and you have AT tires -- in which case lockers will just allow all four to spin in unison.)

There's no harm in getting stuck, provided you can get unstuck. And if you're planning to go to places you need lockers for, you'll want a winch and recovery gear anyway, so it's not like this is a wasted expense. And notice that the only Jeep that comes with lockers also comes with MTs -- lockers aren't magic and can only keep wheels turning; but if the tires don't have traction because they've filled up and aren't clearing, lockers aren't gonna help.

I am putting an elocker in the front because I have gotten stuck a few times on slick stuff where the best line still left one of my fronts in the soup, and I became effectively RWD only. A front locker will correct that situation.

After awhile, I may find that I need to drop another load of coin and replace the LSD out back with a rear e-locker also. If that happens, [shrug] it happens. But if I don't ever need it, then I haven't bothered having it put in.
 
#14 ·
I agree, lockers are nice but I would get out there first and see if you need them. There are many capable rigs out there open/open and the JK also has the BLD which really helps on loose rocky ground or snow/mud where you can spin the tires a bit and let the system work (lockers are definitely better for rocks). I have a Sahara also and sometimes I wish I had the e-lockers but truthfully I haven't wheeled in a spot I have truly needed them yet. If you need to take a slightly different line or back out and try again, no big deal.

I would save the $$ for when and if you go bigger tires and regear. Just do it all at once.
 
#15 ·
NoGaBiker with regards to your serious suggestion so far here are the things I have for this Jeep
Mickey Thompson baja mtz muddling tire 305/65(70) 17 on new wheels
On order smittybilt xrc front bumper with a same make build winch, kc headlights and fog lights
I don't have any friends locally that owns jeeps but I have few that use to atv with
Don't want to get stuck anywhere with no help behind me if I get myself in a tight spot around my cottage atv trails
 
#18 ·
Sounds like you've got a good tire setup. As for getting stuck on a tight trail and needing a backwards pull, I solo a lot also, and have been stuck before and had to do a lot of digging to get out (hours worth.) So I now carry a Smittybilt XRC4.0 ATV winch on a cheap eBay winch plate that plugs into the trailer hitch. Or heck, if you don't have a hitch, you can even just use a bow shackle to attach it from the rear tow-hook (had to do that once when I forgot the dang hitch pin!)

I have about $200 invested in that set-up and carry it any time I'm going out solo. Easy to throw in back and strap down (weight is maybe 30 pounds?) I just use jumper cables to clip it to the battery.

Point is this: if that's a concern now, it should still be a concern if you have lockers. Cuz you can still get stuck, for sure.

Hey, I'm totally cool with buying new stuff for your rig, even if you're not sure you need it. :thumb: So not meaning to suggest not to do that. I just have spent enough time with guys in Rubicons who were just as stuck as the rest of us, so I don't think that the lockers are going to be the final cure for anything.

Cheers!
 
#17 ·
x3 I have a TJ so not apples to apples, but if you've only had the Jeep a couple weeks you don't know if you'll need lockers or not and that money can be spent elsewhere if you don't need lockers. Lots of Jeeps in the club I'm in running wooded trails with some hill climbs/descents/off-camber etc. that don't have lockers and don't have any problem getting around.
 
#22 ·
I have virtually new D44 next gen axles I just took off my 2015 Rubicon. E lockers already installed, 4.10 gearing, 8.8" ring and pinion...slightly beefier lower Cs etc. I could cut off the factory harnesses. At that point, you'd need to buy two switches for in your cab...one for front locker, one for rear, and have it wired up. Done. I'll throw in two brand new in box ARB diff covers too. They're just sitting at my shop (along with all the other stuff I took off ;)
PM me if interested...it's essentially a straight swap in for you.
Cheers!
 
#25 ·
Seriously by the time you pay for two selectable lockers installed, and considering that they won't be covered under warranty and won't garner any value at resale, you may as well just trade it in for a Rubicon instead.

That said, I have a really strong impression that, living in Toronto, it is going to be very difficult for you to spend much time in places where an LSD equipped Sahara will not do every single thing that you ask of it.
 
#26 ·
There are actually some pretty nasty trails within a couple hours of Toronto, never wheeled them myself but talked to others and have seen videos if some of it...
 
#38 ·
My 2 cents



I could not agree more on this point. Invest in proper recovery gear and practice with it. Know how to do to safe self recovery! I have a 2012 JKU Sahara with:

DJRS Next Gen. Dana 30 Solid Front Axle
DMEP 3.73 Rear Axle Ratio
DRZS Next Gen. Dana 44 HD Rear Axle
DSA Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle
DS7S Conventional Differential Frt Axle

... and there are not too many places it will not take me.
I also have 3" lift, Nitto 305 G2s, and front discos.
The most important part is my solid stubby front bumper with a 9000# winch, two 20' straps, one 30', two tree savers, one 20' chain, TWO heavy duty ARB 30k# snatch blocks and one medium duty 18k# snatch block. For recovery from the rear I am "naked" with Evo D rings and 2" receiver.
Don't get me wrong, there is a time and place for lockers, but I think that is mostly in purpose built rigs (just my opinion so don't anybody freak out). LDS + BLD, decent suspension choices add up to a great combo for a strong weekend warrior. Save the drivetrain mods for when something needs to be replaced. As always... it is YOUR Jeep, build it how you like.
 
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