ARB® Air Locker Dana 30 Front Diff 27 SPL 3.73 Up for 1966-2023 Jeep Ford RD100

Description

The ARB® Air Locker Differential (RD100) is a pneumatically operated front locking differential for the Dana 30 and M186 front axles with 27-spline shafts (1.16 in.), covering a wide range of Ford and Jeep vehicles from 1966 through 2023.

IMPORTANT: This unit (RD100) fits Dana 30 axles with 27-spline shafts. Ratio coverage varies by axle variant: standard Dana 30 requires a 3.73 and up gear ratio; Dana 30 7.2 in. is available for both 3.54 and below and 3.73 and up ratios; M186 axles are covered for all ratios. Confirm your axle code, spline count, and ring-and-pinion ratio before ordering. An ARB air compressor is required for operation and is sold separately.

The ARB Air Locker is a selectable locking differential that delivers full 100% traction on demand. When activated, it locks both axle shafts directly to the ring gear, eliminating any independent wheel rotation and providing maximum available traction to both front wheels simultaneously. When deactivated, it reverts to the behavior of a conventional open differential, with no effect on normal on-road handling, steering, or driveline wear.

The locking mechanism is pneumatically operated, driven by compressed air routed through a solenoid valve and bulkhead fitting. ARB’s patented “timed” locking design enables ultra-fast engagement and high-strength unlocking at any vehicle speed. The steel-reinforced, elastomer-bonded annular seal is engineered to perform reliably across the full spectrum of climatic extremes encountered in off-road use.

The two-piece steel construction keeps the moving part count to a minimum, directly translating to long-term reliability under sustained trail abuse. The kit ships complete with the Air Locker differential, activation switch, solenoid valve, air line, and bulkhead fitting. ARB backs this unit with a 5-year warranty.

• Fits Dana 30 (3.73 & up ratio), Dana 30 7.2 in. (3.54 & down and 3.73 & up), and M186 (all ratios) front axles — 27-spline, 1.16 in. shaft — covering select Ford Bronco (1966–1971) and Jeep Cherokee, CJ5, CJ6, CJ7, Comanche, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Scrambler, TJ, Wagoneer, Wrangler, and Wrangler JK models (1966–2023)
• Selectable locking differential — full open differential behavior when unlocked; 100% traction lock when engaged
• Pneumatic activation via ARB air compressor (sold separately) — flick-of-the-switch engagement from the driver’s seat
• Patented timed locking mechanism for high-strength engagement and ultra-fast unlocking at any speed
• Steel-reinforced, elastomer-bonded annular seal rated for extreme climatic temperatures
• Two-piece steel construction — minimal moving parts for maximum long-term reliability
• Kit includes: Air Locker differential, activation switch, solenoid valve, air line, and bulkhead fitting
• ARB air compressor required for operation — sold separately
• 5-year warranty
• Sold individually

The RD100 is designed for Dana 30 and M186 front axles with 27-spline shafts, covering a broad range of Jeep and Ford vehicles from 1966 through 2023, including the Jeep Wrangler (YJ, TJ, JK, JL), Cherokee (XJ), Grand Cherokee (ZJ/WJ), Liberty (KJ/KK), CJ-series, Comanche, Scrambler, Wagoneer, and the early Ford Bronco. Confirm your specific axle code, ring-and-pinion ratio, and spline count against the fitment data before purchasing — ratio eligibility differs between axle variants as noted in the specifications above.

Vehicle Coverage

Note: Not all trims, engine configurations, or gear ratios within these model years are covered. Verify your axle code, spline count, and ring-and-pinion ratio against the specifications above before purchasing.

Additional information