Eaton ELocker Differential Jeep JL Dana 35 M200 29 Spline 1.24 Axle Shaft Dia.

Most Jeep Wrangler JL Sport and Sahara models roll out of the factory with an open differential in the Dana 35 M200 rear axle. On a rocky step or a rutted trail, the rear tire with the least grip gets all the power and spins while the other one sits still. The Eaton ELocker 14244-1 is the electric selectable locker built for that exact axle: the 2018-up JL non-Rubicon M200 rear with 29-spline axle shafts. It covers every gear ratio, so it drops in whether your Jeep still has its factory gears or has been regeared for bigger tires.

What the ELocker does in a JL Dana 35 M200 rear

The ELocker replaces the factory open carrier and the ring gear bolts onto it. With the dash switch off, it works like the stock open differential, so the rear wheels can turn at different speeds in turns and the Jeep drives normally on pavement. Press the switch and an electromagnetic coil pulls a locking mechanism into engagement, tying both rear axle shafts together so both tires turn at the same speed and share the torque equally. Press it again and it unlocks. Eaton dealers list engagement at about 0.14 seconds, and the unit uses net-forged gears. Because it is electric, there is no compressor, air line or cable to run, only the rocker switch and wiring harness included in the box.

Symptoms that point to a rear locker upgrade

• One rear tire spinning in place on ledges, mud, sand or snow while the other does not move
• The brake-based traction aid cutting power or overheating the rear brakes on long climbs
• Clunking from the rear axle in tight turns or on and off throttle, a sign of worn spider gears or a loose cross shaft
• Gear whine or metal on the fill plug magnet that means the rear will be opened up anyway
• A regear for 35 or 37 inch tires already planned, which is the cheapest time to add a locker

How to confirm you have the M200 rear

Not every non-Rubicon JL got the same rear. Depending on build options, some left the factory with the larger Dana 44 M220 rear instead of the M200. The number is the ring gear diameter in millimeters, so check the axle tag or the cast numbers on the housing before you order. If your Jeep has the 220 mm rear with 32-spline shafts, the correct part is the Eaton ELocker 14234-1 for the M210/M220. Rubicon models already have factory lockers and are not the target for this unit. If the rear is noisy, pull the cover and inspect the ring and pinion pattern and the bearings while you are in there; worn gears should be replaced in the same job.

Fitment

Listed for the 2018-up Jeep Wrangler JL non-Rubicon with the Dana 35 M200 rear axle, 29-spline axle shafts with a 1.24 inch shaft diameter, all gear ratios. Rear axle only. Retail catalogs show it on JL 2-door, 4-door and 4xe non-Rubicon trims, but Jeep built many option combinations, so confirm the M200 axle and the spline count on your truck, or send us the year and VIN and we will check it for you. More axle and drivetrain parts are on our hard parts page.

Install notes

• Drain the rear, pull the axle shafts and remove the factory carrier, keeping the bearing caps and shims in order.
• Remove the stator from the ELocker before mounting the ring gear, because it needs the clearance. Reassemble in this order: ring gear, stator assembly, then carrier bearing.
• Use new ring gear bolts with thread locker, fit new carrier bearings, then check preload, backlash and the contact pattern even if you reuse the old gears.
• A Yukon master overhaul kit for the JL Dana 35 200mm rear supplies the bearings, races, shims and seals for the rebuild.
• If you are regearing at the same time, set up a JL non-Rubicon Dana 35 rear 4.56 gear package on the new carrier.
• Route the harness away from the exhaust and suspension, and mount the switch where you can see it.
• Fill with a quality petroleum GL-5 gear oil such as 75W-90; synthetic is fine where the axle maker allows it. No friction modifier is needed since there are no clutch packs.
• Lock it only when stopped or crawling slowly with both tires turning at nearly the same speed, and unlock it on pavement.

Does the 14244-1 fit a JL Rubicon?

No. It is built for the non-Rubicon JL Dana 35 M200 rear with 29-spline shafts. Rubicon models come with factory front and rear lockers on larger Dana 44 axles.

My JL Sahara has the M220 rear. Which ELocker do I need?

The M220 is a Dana 44 class rear with 32-spline shafts, so it takes the Eaton ELocker 14234-1 instead. Check the axle tag before ordering.

Do I need to change gears to install it?

No. The 14244-1 fits all gear ratios with no carrier break, so it works with factory gears or with a regear.

Is the switch and wiring included?

Yes. Eaton dealers list a locking rocker switch and wiring harness with the unit. Carrier bearings and setup shims are separate, and most installers fit new ones.

What gear oil should go in the rear after the install?

A quality petroleum GL-5 gear oil such as 75W-90. Synthetic is acceptable if it meets the axle manufacturer's spec. There are no clutches, so friction modifier is not required.