The New Dana 44 Ox Locker

We were absolutely floored...        read full caption We were absolutely floored by the quality of the components. We’ve seen shoddier parts used on airplanes. The Ox Locker includes the locker itself, the differential cover, the cable, the shifter, and the best set of instructions we’ve ever encountered.

The differential cover is...        read full caption The differential cover is massively strong for a reason. Since it houses the shift fork, it needs to be rigid enough to prevent deflection and also strong enough so encounters with rocks won’t dent or distort it, sending the shift fork into the shift collar.

Here you can see the max-strength...        read full caption Here you can see the max-strength four-spider gear design. When the locker is engaged, the shift collar slides over the side gear and prevents the spider gears from turning. It’s the same traction as welding up your differential with the benefit of everyday driveability.

Barazza removed the stock...        read full caption Barazza removed the stock differential, as well as the bearings, seals, and races. You can see here how the housing must be modified to provide clearance for the shift fork. Barazza stuffed some rags in the axletubes to keep out metal shavings and hit it with a cutoff wheel.

The ring gear can’t be...        read full caption The ring gear can’t be installed with the carrier assembled. After the new Superior 4.56 ring gear is torqued down, the locking side gear and springs are installed.

5Next, the locking ring is...        read full caption 5Next, the locking ring is installed with the flat side facing up. The carrier cap can then be installed with the supplied Grade 8 hardware. Use high-strength Loctite and tighten the bolts to 12 lb-ft in a crisscross pattern.

With all new races and bearings...        read full caption With all new races and bearings included in the Superior installation kit, Barazza installed the pinion and carrier assembly and adjusted the pinion depth, bearing preload, and backlash. If you don’t have the experience, it’s best to leave this step to a professional.

With the locker installed,...        read full caption With the locker installed, the differential cover and shifter cable must be set up. Begin by threading the cable rod through the cover and into the shift fork. The end should protrude slightly, as shown.

Next, route the cable close...        read full caption Next, route the cable close to where you want the shifter installed and bring it through the floor or firewall. Before installing the diff cover or mounting the shifter with the supplied template, you need to adjust the cable so the shift fork in the cover travels fully from lock to unlock. It’s a little tricky, but the instructions are very detailed.

With the shifter connected...        read full caption With the shifter connected and in the unlocked position, install the cover, making sure the shift fork indexes the locking collar. Torque the bolts down and fill the diff with 90W.

That’s right, it’s a whole new animal—no pun intended. Ox Trax has developed a cable-operated locker that’s simple, well designed, and looks bombproof. Our sister magazine JpThe new Ox Locker works as an open differential until the shifter is thrown. This engages the cable-operated shift fork that’s housed in the differential cover and slides a collar over one of the side gears. The collar locks the side gear, preventing it from turning, thus making a spool out of the differential. The whole concept is easy, solid, and simple. It goes without saying that in harsh 4x4 environments where anything can go wrong, simple is good.