Nissan Titan Dana 44 Rear Differential Case with E-Locker

This is a complete replacement differential case for the factory electric-locking rear axle Nissan calls the M226, a Dana Super 44 built for the Titan, Frontier and Xterra. It comes assembled with the locker actuator coil and its harness, both carrier bearings, ring gear bolts and the sensor plate, under interchange references 2016950, 714W715C and DS2016950. Owners usually land here after the rear locker light keeps blinking and never goes solid, after the locker stopped engaging on the trail, or after a teardown found chewed spider gears from running the locker on pavement. Swapping the whole case is often quicker and cheaper than chasing a coil, a dog clutch and a gear set one part at a time.

What the E-Locker case does in a Nissan M226 rear axle

When the locker is off, this case is an open differential: the spider gears let the two rear wheels turn at different speeds, so the truck corners normally. When you press the rear locker switch, the electromagnetic coil pulls a sliding dog clutch into mesh with one side gear, which ties that side gear to the case and forces both axle shafts to turn together. A sensor tells the truck when the clutch has actually engaged, and that is what turns the dash indicator from blinking to steady. West Coast Differentials notes that the factory unit uses an offset cross pin, which is why the M226 locker axle runs unequal-length axle shafts and why some aftermarket carriers need axle modification to fit a locker truck.

Symptoms of a failing rear E-Locker case

• Rear locker indicator blinks and never goes steady, or the locker never engages at all.
• Locker engages only after rocking the truck, or drops out on its own under load.
• Clicking, grinding or a ratcheting sound from the rear when the locker is switched on.
• Clunks in turns or metal glitter on the drain plug from worn spider and side gears.
• A broken or corroded actuator connector at the cover, which often goes along with a coil that has been exposed to water.

How to confirm the case is the problem before you buy

Rule out the simple causes first. Most of these trucks only allow the rear locker in low-range four-wheel drive at low speed, so check the conditions in your owner's manual before condemning the case. Then inspect the harness and connector at the axle, check for power at the plug with the switch on, and measure the coil for an open circuit. If power reaches a good coil and the locker still will not engage, or the gears are damaged, the case is the repair. Our electric locker not engaging guide walks through the same checks, and the Dana 44 axle problems and rebuild cost article covers bearing and gear wear you may find at the same time.

Fitment

The listing covers the rear axle with the factory E-Locker on 2004-2015 Nissan Titan, 2004-2014 Frontier, 2005-2015 Xterra, 2003-2007 Pathfinder and 2005-2008 Armada. It fits the M226 32-spline locker axle only; open and limited-slip M226 axles use a different case. Eaton's catalog ties the M226 to the Titan, Xterra and Frontier, so Pathfinder and Armada owners in particular should confirm the rear axle has the factory locker switch and a wired actuator plug before ordering. If you are unsure, send us your year and VIN and we will check it. For other rear-end parts see our hard parts category.

Install notes

• Move your ring gear to the new case with new bolts, clean threads and thread locker, torqued to the factory spec in a star pattern.
• Press on the supplied carrier bearings, then set carrier preload and backlash and read the gear pattern before the cover goes on. A Dana 44 shim driver tool makes the preload shims much easier to seat.
• If the pinion bearings are rough or the axle whines, replace them now with a Titan rear master bearing kit or a Titan M226 master overhaul kit.
• Route the actuator harness exactly as it came out so the axle shafts and cover cannot pinch it, and seal the pass-through.
• Refill with the GL-5 gear oil grade your owner's manual lists, then cycle the locker in low range on dirt and confirm the indicator goes solid. Professional installation is recommended.

Will this fit my Titan if it does not have the rear locker?

No. It is the factory E-Locker case for the M226 locker axle. Open and limited-slip Titan rears use a different case and do not have the actuator wiring to run it.

Do I need to reuse my ring gear?

Yes. The case does not include a ring and pinion. Transfer your ring gear with new bolts, then set backlash and check the gear pattern.

My locker light blinks but never stays on. Is the case bad?

Possibly, but check the simple causes first: the low-range 4WD requirement, a broken connector at the cover, no power at the plug, or an open coil. If power reaches a good coil and it still will not lock, the case or dog clutch has failed.

What spline count are the axle shafts?

The Titan M226 rear uses 32-spline axle shafts. Confirm yours match before installing.

Should I replace bearings at the same time?

Carrier bearings come with the case. If the pinion bearings are worn or the axle whines, replace them during the same job so you only set up the axle once.