Description
Part number RD116, the ARB Air Locker for the Dana 44 axle — 30-spline, 1.31 in. shaft diameter, gear ratios of 3.92 and numerically higher — fits a wide range of 4WD trucks and SUVs from 1978 through 2006, including Jeep TJ, Wrangler, Cherokee, Comanche, Wagoneer, and J10; Dodge Ram 1500, Ram 2500, W100, W150, W250, and Ramcharger; Ford F-150, F-250, Bronco, and Bronco II; and select Chevrolet K-series and GMC Jimmy applications (See fitment details at bottom of description)
IMPORTANT: Newer OEM Chrysler 8.25″ and Dana 44 ring gears may use 3/8″, 7/16″, or 1/2″ ring gear bolts. The Air Locker flange holes must be drilled or reamed to a larger diameter to accept 7/16″ or 1/2″ bolts — verify your ring gear bolt size before installation. An air compressor is required for operation and is sold separately.
The ARB Air Locker RD116 is a pneumatically operated, selectable locking differential designed for the Dana 44 axle in both front and rear positions. When activated, it eliminates independent axle shaft rotation by locking the internal differential gears to the carrier, tying both wheels directly to the ring gear and delivering maximum torque to each shaft simultaneously. When disengaged, the unit functions as a fully open differential with no impact on on-road handling or driveline wear.
The Air Locker’s operating advantage comes from its pneumatic locking system. A solenoid valve, controlled by a cab-mounted activation switch, directs compressed air into the differential to engage the locking mechanism. ARB’s patented “timed” locking design provides ultra-fast engagement and disengagement, and the system can be activated at any vehicle speed. The annular seal is steel-reinforced and elastomer-bonded, engineered to function across extreme temperature ranges encountered in off-road environments worldwide.
The two-piece steel housing minimizes the number of moving parts, which ARB identifies as a core factor in long-term reliability. The RD116 ships as a complete kit including the Air Locker differential assembly, activation switch, solenoid valve, air line, and bulkhead fitting. It carries ARB’s 5-year warranty.
- Fitment: Dana 44 axle (front or rear); 30-spline; 1.31 in. shaft diameter; 3.92 and numerically higher gear ratios; fits 1978–2006 applications across Jeep, Dodge, Ford, Chevrolet, and GMC — see vehicle coverage detail in the fitment section below
- Selectable locking differential — 100% traction on demand; fully open differential behavior when unlocked
- Pneumatically operated via cab-mounted switch; activates at any vehicle speed
- Patented timed locking mechanism for high-strength engagement and ultra-fast disengagement
- Two-piece steel construction with minimal moving parts for maximum reliability
- Steel-reinforced, elastomer-bonded annular seal rated for extreme climatic temperatures
- Kit includes: Air Locker differential assembly, activation switch, solenoid valve, air line, and bulkhead fitting
- Air compressor required for operation — sold separately
- Newer Dana 44 ring gears with 7/16″ or 1/2″ ring gear bolts require drilling or reaming of Air Locker flange holes prior to installation
- 5-year warranty
- Sold individually
| Part Number | RD116 |
| Brand | ARB |
| Product | Air Locker Differential |
| Axle | Dana 44 |
| Position | Front or Rear |
| Spline Count | 30 |
| Shaft Diameter | 1.31 in. |
| Gear Ratio | 3.92 and numerically higher |
| Material | Steel |
| Color | Silver |
| Operation | Pneumatic (air compressor required, sold separately) |
| Warranty | 5 Years |
| Prop 65 | No |
The RD116 fits the Dana 44 axle in both front and rear positions with a 30-spline shaft and gear ratios of 3.92 and numerically higher. Vehicle coverage spans 1978–2006 and includes the following makes and model families:
- Jeep: TJ and Wrangler (1997–2006), Cherokee (1984–1992), Comanche (1986–1992), Wagoneer (1979–1990), J10 (1984–1987)
- Dodge: Ram 1500 (1994–2001), Ram 2500 (1994–1998), W100 (1984–1989), W150 (1978–1991), W250 (1984–1993), Ramcharger (1978–1993)
- Ford: F-150 (1982–1996), F-250 (1982–1990), Bronco (1978–1996), Bronco II (1984–1990), E-150 Econoline (1979)
- Chevrolet: K10, K10 Suburban, K20 Suburban, K5 Blazer (1978–1980 select trims)
- GMC: Jimmy (1978–1980 select trims)
Not all trims and configurations within these model lines are covered. Confirm your axle type (Dana 44), spline count (30), shaft diameter (1.31 in.), and gear ratio (3.92 or higher) before ordering. Important fitment note: ARB offers additional Air Locker SKUs for Dana 44 applications with different spline counts or gear ratio ranges — this listing is specifically for the 30-spline, 3.92-and-up configuration. Verify your exact axle specifications before purchasing.