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🧾 Overview
The ARB Dana 44 Air Locker Differential is the world’s premier selectable traction aid, designed to deliver maximum traction on demand for Jeep Wrangler JK, TJ, and LJ platforms equipped with Dana 44 axles. With the simple flip of a switch, the Air Locker instantly locks both axle shafts together, ensuring 100% torque transfer to both wheels when traction is limited.
Unlike automatic lockers, the ARB Air Locker allows full driver control. When disengaged, the differential operates as a standard open differential, maintaining smooth on-road handling, normal driveline behavior, and reduced tire wear. When engaged, the pneumatically operated locking mechanism prevents the internal gears from rotating independently, keeping both wheels turning together for superior off-road performance in mud, rocks, sand, snow, and uneven terrain.
Engineered for extreme durability, the Air Locker features a robust two-piece design with minimal moving parts, a patented timed locking mechanism for fast engagement and disengagement, and a steel-reinforced elastomer seal built to withstand extreme temperatures and harsh environments.
✔ 100% traction on demand
✔ Driver-controlled selectable locking
✔ Strong two-piece forged steel design
✔ Reliable on-road drivability when unlocked
🛠 Installation
- Professional installation strongly recommended
- Requires differential setup and gear installation
- Air compressor required for operation (sold separately)
- Compatible with onboard air systems such as ARB compressors
📌 Specs
- Key Features & Benefits
- Provides 100% traction on demand without affecting on-road drivability
- Selectable locking allows safer, slower, and more controlled off-road driving
- Pneumatically operated internal locking system
- Two-piece design for superior strength and durability
- Patented timed locking mechanism for fast engagement and unlocking
- Steel-reinforced elastomer bonded annular seal
- Minimal moving parts for maximum reliability
- Helps reduce vehicle damage and environmental impact
- 📐 Specifications
- Axle Type: Dana 44
- Differential Position: Front or Rear (application dependent)
- Spline Count: 30 Spline (Dana 44) / 17 Spline (IFS front applications)
- Shaft Diameter:
- Dana 44: 1.31 in
- IFS Front: 1.12 in
- Material: Steel
- Finish: Silver
- Operation: Pneumatic (Air Actuated)
- Prop 65: No
- Sold As: Each
- 📦 What’s Included
- ARB Air Locker differential assembly
- Dash-mounted activation switch
- Air solenoid valve
- Air line and bulkhead fitting
- Installation components
- 🛡 Warranty
- 5-Year Manufacturer Warranty
- Warranty coverage provided by ARB
⚠️ Fitment Notes
- Jeep Wrangler YJ / TJ / LJ / JK (1988–2018)
- Dana 44 axle applications only
- Supports both front and rear Dana 44 configurations depending on gearing and axle setup
- ⚠️ Fitment Notes
- Air compressor required for operation (sold separately)
- Newer OEM Chrysler 8.25" and Dana 44 ring gears may use 3/8", 7/16", or 1/2" ring gear bolts
- Air Locker flange holes may need to be drilled or reamed to match ring gear bolt size
- Aftermarket Dana 44 standard-cut ring & pinion ratios 4.56 and up require ARB RD116 (excluding Jeep JK)
- Thick-cut ring & pinion sets (all ratios) require ARB RD117 (excluding Jeep JK)
- Always verify axle, spline count, and gear ratio before ordering