When tackling challenging trails, having the right differential can mean the difference between conquering an obstacle and getting stuck. For off-road enthusiasts who demand both performance and control, a selectable locker offers the ultimate versatility. Auburn Gear’s ECTED technology stands out by providing the on-demand traction of a full locker with the smooth, manageable operation of a limited-slip differential, all activated by a simple switch from the driver’s seat.
This roundup focuses on Auburn Gear’s ECTED Max differentials and related components, highlighting the specific models available for different vehicle axles. Whether you’re driving a Jeep with a Dana 30, a truck with a GM 12-bolt, or another popular platform, understanding the features and intended application of each unit is crucial. We’ve compiled the details on eight key products to help you make an informed decision for your next trail upgrade.
Our Top Auburn Gear ECTED Differential Picks
- Auburn Gear 545017 Ected Max Differential
- Auburn Gear 545009 Ected Max Differential
- Auburn Gear 545022 Differential Assembly Kit
- Auburn Gear 545026 Ected Max Differential
- Auburn Gear 545035 Auburn Gear Ected Max
- USA Standard Gear Rear Axle Kit Fits Ford
- Auburn Gear ECTED Differential – 27 Spline
- Auburn Gear ECTED Differential – 30 Spline
Auburn Gear 545017 Ected Max Differential
Designed specifically for Dana 30 axles, this ECTED Max differential is a robust solution for Jeep and other compatible vehicles. It is manufactured in the USA with gearing made from aircraft-quality 9310 heat-treated billet steel, ensuring exceptional toughness and durability for demanding trail use. The unit comes as a complete package with everything required for installation, saving you time and hassle.
The core benefit of the ECTED Max technology is its dual-mode operation. With a simple flip of a switch on the dashboard, you can select between a full locker mode for maximum traction on severe obstacles or a limited-slip mode for improved handling on slippery surfaces like snow or gravel. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for vehicles that see both daily driving and weekend trail duty.
Auburn Gear 545009 Ected Max Differential
This model brings the proven ECTED Max performance to vehicles equipped with a GM 12-bolt rear axle. Like its counterpart for the Dana 30, it features the same high-quality construction with gearing made from 9310 billet steel, promising long-term reliability under stress. The commitment to domestic manufacturing and including all necessary installation components provides peace of mind for the buyer.
The selectable functionality is the main attraction, allowing you to adapt your vehicle’s traction characteristics to the terrain instantly. When engaged, the full locker mode delivers 100% of the available torque to both wheels, effectively eliminating wheel spin. When disengaged, the limited-slip function provides a safer, more predictable driving experience on paved roads or loose surfaces where a full locker might be too aggressive.
Auburn Gear 545022 Differential Assembly Kit
This Differential Assembly Kit incorporates the versatile ECTED Max traction technology. It is engineered to provide the driver with complete control over the vehicle’s differential operation, making it a suitable upgrade for various applications where selectable traction is desired.
The key feature is the ability to switch between a Full Locker mode, which directs 100% of the engine’s torque to both wheels for ultimate grip, and a Limited Slip mode for everyday driving. This on-demand system ensures you have the right amount of traction exactly when you need it, enhancing both off-road capability and on-road manners without compromise.
Auburn Gear 545026 Ected Max Differential
Built for the heavy-duty Dana 70 axle, this ECTED Max differential is intended for vehicles running 35-spline axles and gear ratios of 4.56:1 and higher. It maintains the high standard of U.S. manufacturing and uses the same aircraft-quality 9310 steel for its gears, ensuring it can handle significant torque and abuse. The package is complete with all parts needed for a straightforward installation.
The switch-on-command operation puts a selectable full locker or limited slip mode at your fingertips. This is particularly beneficial for larger trucks and serious off-road rigs that require maximum pulling power in technical sections but still need to maintain driveability on the road to and from the trailhead.
Auburn Gear 545035 Auburn Gear Ected Max Differential
This model is designed for the Auburn 70 axle and is configured for a 40-spline setup, catering to applications with extreme torque requirements. It is specified for use with gear ratios of 4.10:1 and lower, making it a potential choice for vehicles with numerically lower gearing or those built for high-speed off-road performance.
The ECTED Max system in this differential provides the same user-selectable operation, allowing the driver to engage a full locking mode for challenging obstacles. This combination of a massive 40-spline capacity and selectable locking makes it a specialized component for high-horsepower, serious off-road competition vehicles or heavily modified trucks.
USA Standard Gear Rear Axle Kit Fits Ford 8.8″ Diff
This product is a rear axle shaft kit designed to complement a differential installation in a Ford 8.8-inch axle housing. It is specified for the 31-5/8″ long, 28-spline left-hand side and includes ABS functionality, ensuring compatibility with the vehicle’s factory anti-lock braking system.
While not a differential itself, this axle kit is a critical supporting component. When upgrading to a stronger differential like an Auburn ECTED unit, it is often advisable to ensure the axle shafts are in good condition or upgraded to match the new traction capability. This kit provides a direct replacement option for that specific application.
Auburn Gear ECTED Differential – 27 Spline
This Auburn Gear ECTED differential is configured with a 27-spline output, a common specification for many lighter-duty axles and certain front applications. The ECTED technology provides the signature dual-mode operation that gives drivers control over their vehicle’s traction profile.
The ability to switch between a locked state for maximum grip and a limited-slip state for improved on-road manners makes this a versatile upgrade. A 27-spline unit is well-suited for a range of vehicles where a balance between performance, durability, and cost is important, offering a significant traction improvement over an open differential.
Auburn Gear ECTED Differential – 30 Spline
This model features a 30-spline configuration, which is a stronger, more common standard for many heavy-duty rear axles in trucks and SUVs. It utilizes the same ECTED electromagnetic locking technology to provide selectable traction control.
For enthusiasts looking to upgrade a vehicle with a 30-spline axle, this differential offers a robust solution. The increased spline count generally corresponds to a higher torque capacity, making this a reliable choice for vehicles with larger tires and more powerful engines that will see regular off-road use.
What to Look For in an Auburn Gear ECTED Differential for Trail Performance
When I’m looking to upgrade my rig for better trail performance, the differential is one of the first things I consider. It’s the component that decides how power gets to the wheels, and getting it right makes all the difference between crawling over an obstacle and spinning a tire uselessly. The Auburn Gear ECTED (Electronically Controlled Torsion Electromagnetic Differential) is a unique option that sits between a standard LSD and a full locker, and knowing what to look for can help you decide if it’s the right choice for your build.
First, you need to understand the core technology. The ECTED is an electromagnetic clutch-type limited-slip differential. What that means for me on the trail is that it acts like a strong, automatic limited-slip under normal driving, but when I flip a switch, it sends full power to both wheels, effectively locking the axle. The big selling point is that it doesn’t require air lines like an ARB locker or a complex hydraulic pump like some others. It’s a simpler, self-contained electronic system. For someone who wants a “set it and forget it” capability with the option to lock on demand, this is a huge point in its favor.
Next, think about your vehicle’s primary use. The Auburn Gear ECTED differential really shines for trail rigs that also see street time. The automatic limited-slip characteristic is fantastic for on-road manners and in light off-road situations where a full locker would be too harsh or cause binding. When you hit a tougher section, the locked function gives you the traction you need. If your idea of off-roading is strictly brutal rock crawling, a traditional mechanical locker might be more durable, but for an all-around performer, the ECTED is tough to beat.
Compatibility is another big one. You have to make sure you’re buying the correct unit for your axle. This isn’t a universal part. You need to know your axle model (like a Dana 44, Ford 8.8, etc.), your gear ratio, and your spline count. Getting this wrong means the unit either won’t fit or won’t work correctly with your existing ring and pinion. I always double-check my vehicle’s specifications against the manufacturer’s application guide before even thinking about placing an order.
Finally, consider the installation and setup. While any differential install requires some mechanical know-how, the ECTED is relatively straightforward since it’s a self-contained unit. The wiring is simple: just a power, ground, and switch connection. However, setting the gear backlash and pattern is a precise job. If you’re not confident in your ability to set up differential gears, I strongly recommend having a professional handle the installation. A poorly set-up diff will be noisy, wear out quickly, and could even fail catastrophically, which is the last thing you want on the trail.
FAQ
How does the Auburn Gear ECTED differ from a standard locker?
The main difference is in its dual-personality operation. A standard locker, like a Detroit Locker, is always mechanically locked or uses a ratcheting mechanism. The ECTED, however, behaves like a traditional limited-slip differential during normal driving. This provides smoother operation on pavement and in turns. Only when you activate the switch does it electromagnetically lock the spider gears together, sending equal power to both wheels. This gives you the best of both worlds: civilized street manners and serious trail traction on demand.
Is the ECTED strong enough for large tires and tough obstacles?
Yes, Auburn Gear builds these units to be robust. They are a significant upgrade over a factory open diff or a worn-out clutch-type LSD. For most trail rigs running up to 37-inch tires, the ECTED is plenty strong. It’s not typically the first choice for extreme competition rock crawling with 40+ inch tires, where the absolute maximum brute strength of a spool or a mechanical locker is required. But for the vast majority of enthusiasts tackling difficult trails, the ECTED has more than enough strength to get the job done reliably.
What kind of maintenance does the ECTED require?
One of the benefits I appreciate is the low maintenance. Since it’s a sealed electromagnetic unit, there are no clutch packs to wear out and replace like in some traditional limited-slips. The primary maintenance is the same as any differential: regular fluid changes with the correct gear oil specified by Auburn Gear. It’s crucial to use a lubricant that does not contain friction modifiers, as these can interfere with the electromagnetic clutch’s operation. Beyond that, just periodically check the electrical connections to the actuator for corrosion or damage.
Can I install an ECTED myself, or do I need a professional?
This depends entirely on your skill level. If you have experience setting up ring and pinion gears—meaning you’re comfortable with setting pinion depth, backlash, and checking gear contact patterns—then you can likely handle the mechanical installation. The electrical part is very simple. However, differential setup is a precise art. If you’ve never done it before, the cost of specialized tools and the high risk of an incorrect setup leading to failure make this a job best left to a qualified shop. A proper installation is key to the longevity and performance of your new Auburn Gear ECTED differential.
Will the ECTED work in the front axle of a 4×4?
Absolutely, and it’s a great option for the front axle. Because it acts as an open diff until you lock it, there’s no steering bind or awkwardness on pavement. When you’re in 4WD and engaged on a trail, you can lock the front axle to pull yourself over obstacles. This combined with a locked or limited-slip rear gives you phenomenal traction. Just remember the standard practice for any front locker: only engage it when you need it and when you’re on a loose surface to avoid putting massive stress on your front drivetrain components during turns.