D44 Locker what is possible

[Dutch_Jeeper]

In due time i want to install a locker. Preferably a manually selectable one, Ox locker or vaccuum locker, since i want to keep it 6 volts so compressor powered or e-locker is not an option.

Actually i found out any selectable locker is not an option only the Lockrite is available for the 10 or 19 spline D44. It's kinda weird no one has made one since i think there is a market for one since not everyone is charmed by the behavior of the lockrite on road on a lightweight short wheelbase Jeep.

So i am looking for options other then an axle swap, one thing that came to mind which i cannot really find an answer to is this (which probably means it wont work lol) :

Do the differential parts of later d44's fit the CJ3a diff housing? Carrier, gears, ring and pinion? I regularly see complete assemblies offered by people who went from stock gearing to lower gearing in the d44. 5.38 as in the CJ3a should not be a problem secondhand or new. If offcourse it fits.

Now your thinking, yeah nice but the splines Bubba, 10 vs 30. Well yes, but axleshafts can be custom made, cost set aside, it should not be a problem to have a axleshaft made with 10 splines on the wheelside and 30 on the inner diff side. If later model d44 parts fit, you can have any locker you want by replacing rack, pinion and carrier and use 30-10 spline shafts?

With the power of the flathead you do not have to worry that much if the splines are rolled or machined, using modern stronger steel for the shafts should be more then enough to ensure they wont break with the stock engine.

So how viable is the above idea apart from cost? Do later model parts fit the CJ3a D44?

[Bob W]

A lot of the later D44 stuff will fit the early housings. I think you may have a problem with the early wheel bearing setup and a later locking differential. The early wheel bearings require a center block between the axle shafts. Later D44s have totally different wheel bearings and don't require a center block. I'm not sure if later lockers will have a provision for a center block to fit in there.

[garage gnome]

Only option is to use a flanged offset D44 from a 1969-71 CJ.Those were the only years this axle was used. They are the correct spline count for an OX locker and are offset so you can still use the D18. The gears swap between this axle and the older 44, but that is about it.

The painted axles will be going in my jeep soon. Both have OX air lockers. The front is a D30 narrow trac and the rear is the flanged offset D44.

[garage gnome]

A lunch box locker would be OK to use in the back of your jeep. They are inexpensive and work good. I have one in the back of my 55 chevy truck and it fine on the street.

[Dre]

It's just a matter of getting used to it... I know your Willys will behave differently since I drove a Bronco with rear Lockrite locker for 8 straight years... it pulls and pushes in turns and wheel spin on wet surfaces is annoying too and that "bum" when it clicks on... matter of preference I guess.

[Dutch_Jeeper]

Thanks for all the info,  more stuff to contemplate 

I did some more research and found this:

http://hermtheoverdriveguy.com/?page_id=1611

I will have to save for every upgrade i do and will try to do it in a logical order and i have no timetable for it. This looks to be the solution for the next upgrade to be a selectable locker!?

I loved the Aussie locker in the D30 front axle of my TJ, I never once felt it aggresively engage, only the ticking noice while cornering. I experimented with it on a paved road in snow though and what happened then is not what i want to happen to the rear in the CJ3. It was fun i have to admit  as much fun as deathwobble doing 120 kmp/h for the first time 

So no locker or a selectable one for me.

Only thing i need some more info on, most lockers recquire a different diff cover, will a late model d44 cover fit the early model. Having the original cover machined is a posibility off course, but on one hand i am a fan of doing only reversible bolt on upgrades keeping as much of the original parts as possible.

Getting another axle/cover and upgrading that only if i do not have to do any "constructional" work that would prevent swapping the original back in and have it completely stock again. It's why i'm still looking out for a disc brake conversion to the front that 100% does not require any grinding,only aftermarket rims at most.

[Bob W]

Keep in mind that the Herm full floater kits are only 27 spline on the outer end so they are weaker on the outside than on the inside.

As far as I know the D44 covers all have the same bolt pattern.

[Mark W.]

I have an Eaton E-Locker in my Flanged Dana 44 and it has the advantage of being an OPEN/LOCKED setup instead of LIMITED SLIP/LOCKED as most of the selectable lockers are. I plan on building a DANA 44 for the front of my CJ2A with the same setup in it.