Installing a Detroit EZ-Locker in a Dana 44 Rear Axle

This project was much easier then I expected it to be. The perfromance on the trail is outstanding compared to an open differential. I've heard people say that there is no single improvement you can do to net more off-road performance then to install a locker, and I have to agree. On-road, it does tend steer the vehicle if you accelerate or let off the gas while cornering. If you coast thru or stay a constant speed, then its fine. At highway speeds, it is almost unnoticable, with much less steering effect, and no apparent racheting.

All the parts that are included with the locker kit are displayed in red

(1) Put vehicle up on jackstands (2) Drain fluid/remove differential cover (3) Remove wheels and brake drums (3) Removing nuts from axle retaining plate. These can be reached by access hole in axle flange. (4) Pull axle shaft out about 6" or more. (5) Remove carrier bearing caps. (These peices need to go back on in the same position and location they came from, so be sure to keep them in order) (6) Remove carrier out of differential housing. (Again, any shims need to back in their same locations during reassembly) (7) Remove ring gear. (8) Remove small pin from the carrier that retains the drive pin. (9) Remove drive pin. (10) Remove spider gears. You will need to re-use the the drive pin, retaining pin, and washers from the two big spider gears. (11) Lightly coat all the locker components with medium weight grease. (12) Install the tension (or engagement?) pins into the oval holes in the side of the clutches, using grease as an adhesive. (13) Place one of the washers in the carrier, then install one of the gears from the EZ-Locker into the carrier. (14) Repeat process with the opposite side. (15) Place spacers in clutches and install clutches in carrier. (16) Align clutches and gears. Using a screwdriver, push tension pins into the holes on the opposite clutch. (17) insert springs into clutched through access holes. (18) Check to make sure that all peices are fully seated and move freely. (19) Align locker and install drive pin. (20) insert small locking pin. (21) attach ring gear. (22) Install carrier in housing and fasten bearing caps. (23) Install axles shafts and fasten axle retaining plate. (24) Install brake drum and wheel. (25) Check again for free movement, and proper tension of locker parts. (26) Replace differential cover, and fill with gear lube. (No special lubricant required) (27) remove jackstands, and kick some poor trail's ass! July 22nd, 1999.