Potting the Locker Sensor VS Z Automotive Bypass

[AustyPosty]

I cant recall reading anything on here related to specifically this topic. But In essence, I've read that potting the locker sensors prevent oil intrusion thus preventing failure. However, with the Z automotive locker bypass, is potting the sensor even needed? I ask this because for me it would just be easier to buy two Z automotive bypasses and keep them in my truck for the day the sensors go bad.

Also does the Z-automotive bypass disable locker engagement indicators on the screen?

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[Maximus Gladius]

I potted my sensors (21 JTR) years ago and the only thing I maintain is the locker sensor magnet which, if left to just have filings pack it up, the lockers won’t work well and if never clean, lockers will just fail completely.

Yes, the Z harness allows you to forget about it but the only downside to forgetting about the magnet is that, even if you no longer need it, a magnet in the oil is your friend and it is collecting fillings. But it won’t forever if you forget about it. If you decide to just use the Z harness “when the lockers fail”, know that there is a little magnet in the diff that still needs cleaning for the magnet to at least clean the oil.

 

[AustyPosty]

I potted my sensors (21 JTR) years ago and the only thing I maintain is the locker sensor magnet which, if left to just have filings pack it up, the lockers won’t work well and if never clean, lockers will just fail completely.

Yes, the Z harness allows you to forget about it but the only downside to forgetting about the magnet is that, even if you no longer need it, a magnet in the oil is your friend and it is collecting fillings. But it won’t forever if you forget about it. If you decide to just use the Z harness “when the lockers fail”, know that there is a little magnet in the diff that still needs cleaning for the magnet to at least clean the oil.

Is the magnet easy to clean? I don't mind cleaning the magnet every time I do a diff oil change.

 

[Maximus Gladius]

Is the magnet easy to clean? I don't mind cleaning the magnet every time I do a diff oil change.

The cover has to come off, then a small torx bit screw holding the sensor in place comes out, pull the sensor off the magnet, clean the magnet and reinstall sensor. It would be a good time to just inspect the gear teeth, spray out the diff with brake clean (avoid spraying connectors), let it dry, reinstall diff cover. Gasket is reusable, fill with your choice of oil.

 

[WILDHOBO]

When it happened to me on my rear locker, I was told by a shop I sometimes use that replacing the sensor would fix it until the next expensive failure. So I used the z locker fix and bought a second one if the front ever fails. I always keep it in the Jeep in case a friend loses their sensor on a trail where lockers are important. I recently got the sensor replaced while my rear emd got new bearings and seals, but it was free because they had one laying around. I left the z locker harness connected. As long as it works, I don’t care. And all dash indicators work perfectly.

 

[WILDHOBO]

The cover has to come off, then a small torx bit screw holding the sensor in place comes out, pull the sensor off the magnet, clean the magnet and reinstall sensor. It would be a good time to just inspect the gear teeth, spray out the diff with brake clean (avoid spraying connectors), let it dry, reinstall diff cover. Gasket is reusable, fill with your choice of oil.

Agreed, except I prefer 75-140 or better, with friction modifier.

 

[23BCJT]

I potted my sensors at around 300 KM's and swapped to the ARB diff covers with the large magnet dip sticks built in.

I suppose the cost of the diff covers would be higher than the Z harness, but wont grab filings.

potting the sensors was easy. hardest part was being patient while the compound set up.

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