Eaton ELocker Service Kit For Various Dana 30/35 Vehicles

When an Eaton ELocker in a Dana 30 front or Dana 35 rear axle stops locking, and you have already proven the switch, relay and wiring are good, the electromagnet inside the axle is the next thing to replace. Eaton part 26663-00S is the stator and armature service kit for the Dana 30 and Dana 35 family of ELockers. It replaces the coil that makes the locker work without buying a whole new locker, and it is the part Jeep and small-truck owners search for after a locker light comes on but the axle stays open.

What the stator kit does in a Dana 30 or Dana 35 ELocker

Unlocked, the ELocker runs like an open differential. When you hit the switch, 12 volts goes to the stator, a coil mounted on the carrier. Its magnetic field pulls the armature plate against it, the drag on that plate drives the locking mechanism into the side gear, and both axle shafts turn together. Kill the power and springs push it back to open. The stator wire runs out through the axle housing to the vehicle harness, so on a front Dana 30 that cycles with the suspension, the coil lead and connector take a beating. Eaton's application guide lists 26663-00S as the Stator/Armature Kit for its Dana 30/35 ELockers. One edition lists the contents as stator assembly, armature and retaining bracket; a later edition lists stator, bearing race, thrust bearing and retaining ring. Check the parts in your box against what your unit needs before teardown.

Symptoms of a failed ELocker stator

• Switch light comes on but the axle never locks, even when rolling slowly in a turn
• Locker works when cold or on a flat road, then drops out when the axle flexes
• Full 12 volts at the axle connector with the switch on, but the locker still will not engage
• Coil lead pinched, cut or burned where it exits the housing
• Fuse that blows only when the locker is switched on, pointing to a shorted coil
• Scored armature face or debris on the cover magnet from a dragging plate

How to confirm it before you buy

Most dead ELockers turn out to be wiring, a bad relay or engagement technique, not the stator. Check that you are engaging at a crawl and rolling a few inches after switching on, then check for voltage at the axle connector with a helper working the switch. Eaton notes the dash switch cannot carry the locker's current on its own, which is why the system uses a relay. Our ELocker not engaging troubleshooting guide walks through the order to check it. If you get good voltage at the connector and the locker still will not lock, pull the cover and inspect the coil lead and armature. That is when this kit is the right buy.

Fitment

Eaton's application chart matches 26663-00S to its Dana 30 and Dana 35 ELocker units: 19817-010 (Dana 30, 27 spline, 3.54 and down), 19818-010 (Dana 30, 27 spline, 3.73 and up), 19819-010 (Dana 30, 30 spline), 19821-010 (Dana 35, 27 spline) and 19822-010 (Super 35, 30 spline). It does not fit Dana 44 ELockers (Eaton uses 26664-00S or the 26982-00S Dana 44 4-pinion kit), Dana 60 units, GM or Ford ELockers, or the newer JL M200 locker. Newer ELocker4 versions such as the 19818-020 Dana 30 ELocker4 carry a different suffix, so read the number stamped on your case and match it, or send us the case number with your year and VIN. If the locker itself is worn out, a complete Dana 30 ELocker4 for 3.54 and down is in stock.

Install notes

• Pull the cover, mark the bearing caps, and remove the carrier. A Dana 30-80 housing spreader helps the carrier out without damaging the bearing saddles.
• Keep the carrier bearing shims in order. Eaton requires LM102949 carrier bearings with LM102911 races on all Dana 30 and 35 ELockers, so do not swap in a different bearing.
• Follow Eaton's ELocker instructions for the stator and retaining bracket orientation, and route the new coil lead so it cannot rub or get pinched when the cover goes back on or the axle flexes.
• Seal the wire pass-through in the housing so water cannot wick into the axle.
• Refill with 75W-90 gear oil per your axle. The ELocker is not a clutch-type limited slip, so it does not need friction modifier.
• Before the first drive, cycle the locker on and off several times and confirm it locks and releases.

Will 26663-00S fix my ELocker that will not lock?

Only if the stator or armature has failed. Most no-lock problems are a bad relay, broken wire, poor ground or engagement technique. Confirm you have 12 volts at the axle connector with the switch on before you buy the kit.

Does this fit a Dana 44 ELocker?

No. Eaton lists 26663-00S for its Dana 30 and Dana 35 ELockers only. Dana 44 units use 26664-00S or 26982-00S depending on 2-pinion or 4-pinion design.

Will it fit a factory Rubicon locker?

No. This is a service kit for aftermarket Eaton ELockers. Factory Rubicon lockers are a different design.

Do I need to reset ring gear backlash after replacing the stator?

If you keep the same carrier bearings and put the shims back on the same sides, backlash should return to where it was. Check it with a dial indicator before you bolt the cover on.

What bearings does a Dana 30 or 35 ELocker use?

Eaton states all Dana 30 and Dana 35 ELockers require LM102949 bearings with LM102911 races. Replace them if they have any wear while the carrier is out.

Can I engage the ELocker while moving?

Eaton says it can engage up to roughly 15 to 20 mph if the left and right wheel speeds are close, but recommends engaging below 3 to 5 mph. Never engage it with a wheel spinning freely.