Mojave, Adding Front Locker

[KurtP]

The Torsen is complete new to me (as are many off-roading related topics). I just watched a video on the mechanics of how a Torsen works. If a Torsen is so automatically responsive, why do people use lockers at all? There must be some drawback that is being lost on me.

The degree to which it can lock

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[Christian Welton]

I drive a 2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave. I'm investigating what is required to add a Spicer Dana 44 E-Locker to the front axel, essentially the same system the Gladiator Rubicon employs. In an ideal world I would like to enable locking/unlocking the front locker through the OEM controls.

Below is the parts list I've identified. Has anyone else attempted this? If so, can they confirm this list covers what's needed? Have I included anything unnecessary or omitted anything required?

1. The locker connector bolt: https://www.quadratec.com/p/mopar/locker-connector-bolt-jl-rubicon-dana-44-front-axle-68400412AA
2. The locker actuator: https://www.quadratec.com/p/mopar/axle-locker-actuator-jl-rubicon-44-front-axle-68400409AA
3. The actuator bracket for the front-axel e-locker: https://www.quadratec.com/p/mopar/locker-actuator-bracket-jl-rubicon-dana-44-front-axle-68400412AA
4. The connector that comes out of the axel: https://www.quadratec.com/p/mopar/68400411AA-axle-locker-connector-jl-rubicon-dana-44
5. The wiring harness to bring the front e-locker wiring into the cabin: https://www.quadratec.com/p/mopar/rubicon-locker-switch-harness-jeep-wrangler-jl
6. The spicer/dana e-locker hub: https://www.drivetrainamerica.com/2...r-32-spline-rear-07-14-jk-rubicon-68036128aa/
7. For enabling the front e-locker in the console and button group: https://www.zautomotive.com/product/tazer-jl-mini/

What’s the approximate cost to adding a front e-locker in a Jeep Gladiator Mojave?

 

[DirtGadgets]

What’s the approximate cost to adding a front e-locker in a Jeep Gladiator Mojave?

The answer depends on a number of factors. I did the following:

1. Removing axel
2. Disassembling
3. Removing stock brackets
4. Welding on trussing
5. Welding on new brackets
6. Off-gassing
7. Media blasting
8. Powder coating primer
9. Powder coating color
10. Powder coating clear
11. Reassembling
12. Re-gearing
13. Adding Locker
14. Adding chromoly axel shafts with CVT joint
15. Miscellaneous parts
16. Labor

The cost to do all this at a reputable shop will run you anywhere from $4.5K - $5.5K per axel in Omaha, NE. You may save some money doing steps 1-10 yourself... if you know what you're doing and don't make any mistakes.

 

[Beungood]

I assume you have a mojave with a locker already in the rear? I have a Sport S and think the torsen in the rear would be beneficial for a DD that see's a lot of snow. Then, add the locker up front to help climb over objects (which is less often than needing extra traction in snow/mud).

What about a selectable locker that defaults to limited slip in the front?

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

What about a selectable locker that defaults to limited slip in the front?

There are not many selectable lockers that function like this. For aftermarket lockers, maybe none at this point.

And not many people that would want limited slip in the front because of the weird steering it causes.

 

[Beungood]

There are not many selectable lockers that function like this. For aftermarket lockers, maybe none at this point.

And not many people that would want limited slip in the front because of the weird steering it causes.

I remember Eaton did have one like this and there used to be an Ected by Auburn which has now been upgraded. But I think this one had clutches for LS and some type of electronic locking ball ramp set up.

 

[Beungood]

I remember a friend having Trutrac front and rear and reported no averse handling and was very pleased at how it performed on and off road.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

I remember Eaton did have one like this and there used to be an Ected by Auburn which has now been upgraded. But I think this one had clutches for LS and some type of electronic locking ball ramp set up.

There was the Detroit Electrac that was limited slip when unlocked. I think they continued to make it for a short time after Eaton acquired Detroit. It was not very popular and did not last long. It had a huge actuator outside the diff cover.

The Eaton ELocker is open when unlocked.

The Auburn ECTED uses clutches. Not a very good design.

I remember a friend having Trutrac front and rear and reported no averse handling and was very pleased at how it performed on and off road.

In 2wd, it's not noticeable. In 4wd on snowy/icy roads is where it will be most noticeable.

 

[Christian Welton]

The answer depends on a number of factors. I did the following:

1. Removing axel
2. Disassembling
3. Removing stock brackets
4. Welding on trussing
5. Welding on new brackets
6. Off-gassing
7. Media blasting
8. Powder coating primer
9. Powder coating color
10. Powder coating clear
11. Reassembling
12. Re-gearing
13. Adding Locker
14. Adding chromoly axel shafts with CVT joint
15. Miscellaneous parts
16. Labor

The cost to do all this at a reputable shop will run you anywhere from $4.5K - $5.5K per axel in Omaha, NE. You may save some money doing steps 1-10 yourself... if you know what you're doing and don't make any mistakes.

Thank you.

 

[Beungood]

I assume you have a mojave with a locker already in the rear? I have a Sport S and think the torsen in the rear would be beneficial for a DD that see's a lot of snow. Then, add the locker up front to help climb over objects (which is less often than needing extra traction in snow/mud).

Doesn’t the BLD take care of the snow and needing extra traction?

 

[RodRecket]

Doesn’t the BLD take care of the snow and needing extra traction?

It's been a while since I've looked at this thread. I don't even have the sport anymore, went Rubicon.

Though I still wouldn't compare the BLD to an actual locker/limited slip. There's a reason Jeep still offers LSD and lockers in the JTs, they are better traction adders than ABS modulation.

 

[Deric]

I drive a 2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave. I'm investigating what is required to add a Spicer Dana 44 E-Locker to the front axel, essentially the same system the Gladiator Rubicon employs. In an ideal world I would like to enable locking/unlocking the front locker through the OEM controls.

Below is the parts list I've identified. Has anyone else attempted this? If so, can they confirm this list covers what's needed? Have I included anything unnecessary or omitted anything required?

1. The locker connector bolt: https://www.quadratec.com/p/mopar/locker-connector-bolt-jl-rubicon-dana-44-front-axle-68400412AA
2. The locker actuator: https://www.quadratec.com/p/mopar/axle-locker-actuator-jl-rubicon-44-front-axle-68400409AA
3. The actuator bracket for the front-axel e-locker: https://www.quadratec.com/p/mopar/locker-actuator-bracket-jl-rubicon-dana-44-front-axle-68400412AA
4. The connector that comes out of the axel: https://www.quadratec.com/p/mopar/68400411AA-axle-locker-connector-jl-rubicon-dana-44
5. The wiring harness to bring the front e-locker wiring into the cabin: https://www.quadratec.com/p/mopar/rubicon-locker-switch-harness-jeep-wrangler-jl
6. The spicer/dana e-locker hub: https://www.drivetrainamerica.com/2...r-32-spline-rear-07-14-jk-rubicon-68036128aa/
7. For enabling the front e-locker in the console and button group: https://www.zautomotive.com/product/tazer-jl-mini/

Thank you for the list of websites, I have a 2021 mojave and would like to do the same thing...please
let me know if this works out

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