Front Locker replacement

[Hellboy392]

Hello, I am new to the world of forums but I need some help. I have a 2022 Jeep 392 Rubicon. 7100 miles. Took it in to the dealer because the front locker would not lock. After they replaced the actuator they determined that the locker was bad. Apparently the fix for this is to replace the whole axle assembly. They will not cover it under warranty because I put gussets on my axle and that voids the warranty. So I'm stuck with a 100k jeep with 7100 miles and a broken locker. After some research I discovered that Jeep will not sell the locker alone. I contacted Spicer and they cannot sell just the locker because it is a proprietary Jeep part. I have 2 questions:

1. does anyone know where I can find a replacement locker?

2. Is there an aftermarket locker available?

 

[Phil921]

This is absolute trash and a money grab as trussing/gusseting axles have no bearing on the locker; I'd get Jeep Cares involved for sure for a case#. Saying that however, give Eaton a call. I believe they have a locker for the M210/M220 Dana 44's. Good luck for sure and

 

[Hellboy392]

I called Jeep Cares... they didn't "Care". I've always been a GM and Ford guy, owned 4 jeeps, but they were all older with no warranty. I went new because I thought it would be nice to have warranty. It's crazy to think that they won't honor their warranty especially on their " top of the line" jeep. I talked to a few other people when looking for the locker and they said that it was too weak for the power that the 392 produces. If I'm going to pay for it I think an upgrade would be better. I've always stuck with the elockers that came in my other Rubicons but I would like to know if anyone has used the Eaton elocker or the ARB or OX lockers in the 392. I also wanted to know if I can use the stock axle shafts on those. I don't want to swap for 60's, that's a big expense for a new vehicle.

 

[jeepcj779]

Hello, I am new to the world of forums but I need some help. I have a 2022 Jeep 392 Rubicon. 7100 miles. Took it in to the dealer because the front locker would not lock. After they replaced the actuator they determined that the locker was bad. Apparently the fix for this is to replace the whole axle assembly. They will not cover it under warranty because I put gussets on my axle and that voids the warranty. So I'm stuck with a 100k jeep with 7100 miles and a broken locker. After some research I discovered that Jeep will not sell the locker alone. I contacted Spicer and they cannot sell just the locker because it is a proprietary Jeep part. I have 2 questions:

1. does anyone know where I can find a replacement locker?

2. Is there an aftermarket locker available?

Did the dealer/jeep cares say how the gusset caused the failure?

 

[Phil921]

I called Jeep Cares... they didn't "Care". I've always been a GM and Ford guy, owned 4 jeeps, but they were all older with no warranty. I went new because I thought it would be nice to have warranty. It's crazy to think that they won't honor their warranty especially on their " top of the line" jeep. I talked to a few other people when looking for the locker and they said that it was too weak for the power that the 392 produces. If I'm going to pay for it I think an upgrade would be better. I've always stuck with the elockers that came in my other Rubicons but I would like to know if anyone has used the Eaton elocker or the ARB or OX lockers in the 392. I also wanted to know if I can use the stock axle shafts on those. I don't want to swap for 60's, that's a big expense for a new vehicle.

I'd make the call to each of the companies you're looking at for the locker and talk with tech to be very specific with what you're looking for; then go from there.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Try a different dealership

 

[POTTERJLUR]

Yeah I would try another dealership and just get it replaced under warranty.

 

[Hellboy392]

I'm on my 2nd dealership already, I think the first one redtagged it so I might be screwed on that one

 

[Hellboy392]

I really want to know if anyone has put in an aftermarket locker in a 392 yet.. and what to watch out for.

 

[Phil921]

I really want to know if anyone has put in an aftermarket locker in a 392 yet.. and what to watch out for.

I have not, nor am I aware of anyone. I know a quick YT search might give you a few videos (Quadratec and/or Driving Line), but no real world feedback. Not brand pushing, but Eaton has a very solid reputation and from what I hear, good tech support for questions. Good luck for sure

The Dealer Service feedback is pitiful....

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I would think my 40s likely blew out my lockers and the dealership didn't ask a single question. They just replaced everything under warranty. They didn't change the whole axle assembly

 

[TRMFAM]

Seems odd, when I lost the rear r&p the locker never worked the same and the shop I was at, not a dealer, ordered a new
Locker and installed. Actually worked better than the original ever did. I am surprised you can’t order one?

 

[EBYCREEK]

Looks like this would work for Rubicon models.

https://www.eaton.com/us/en-us/skuPage.14313-2.html

 

[TRMFAM]

Stock front shafts are 32 spline the locker you linked is for 35. You would have to purchase new 35 spline shafts as well.

 

[EBYCREEK]

Stock front shafts are 32 spline the locker you linked is for 35. You would have to purchase new 35 spline shafts as well.

Looks like 14234-1 would be 32 spline

 

[TRMFAM]

View attachment 45837
Looks like 14234-1 would be 32 spline

Good find! That looks like it would work.

 

[prodriquez]

This may be a silly question… but did they check to see of the locker is getting any power? The wires that supply power are fragile and may have been damaged when you trussed your axle. Alternatively, a longer travel suspension could out-flex the cable (see below).

Here is what it looks like on my wife’s 392. It attaches to the back of the front axle, on the driver’s side.

And this is what it looks like on the backside of my Currie Platinums. I’ve had to replace both my locker cable and my axle vent line due to wear and tear/too much flex.

 

[Earl 392]

This may be a silly question… but did they check to see of the locker is getting any power? The wires that supply power are fragile and may have been damaged when you trussed your axle. Alternatively, a longer travel suspension could out-flex the cable (see below).

Here is what it looks like on my wife’s 392. It attaches to the back of the front axle, on the driver’s side.

View attachment 45839

And this is what it looks like on the backside of my Currie Platinums. I’ve had to replace both my locker cable and my axle vent line due to wear and tear/too much flex.
View attachment 45840

Good call

 

[ameldorf]

+1 to above post. I had one of the wires barely pull out of the connector. That 90 at the connector puts a lot of stress on those wires.

 

[TRMFAM]

Are you aware Mopar makes a 2 wire harness for the lockers? It has the plug for the axle then just black and red wires in a shroud with black to ground and red to a switch. The included instructions have you wire to an upfitter switch. I used to carry the harness so in case lost a locker sensor I could use the harness and still have lockers work as it bypasses the computer.

I think they are $80 or so. You might try that. I have 2 of them still in the package somewhere around here.