Quick Facts:
- Product: Eaton Dana 80 ELocker, a 4-pinion selectable rear locker.
- Maker: Eaton, Mobility segment.
- Axle: Dana 80 rear axle with an 11.5-inch ring gear and 40-spline shafts.
- Gear ratios: 4.10 and up.
- Also new: Dana 60 4-Pinion ELocker for 9.75-inch ring gears and 35-spline shafts.
- Debut: 2026 SEMA Show, Nov. 3-6, Las Vegas.
- Shipping: March 2027.
- Price: Not listed in Eaton’s release.
- Best for: Heavy-duty rear axles where you want a locker you switch on.
5 min read
In This Article
Overview
The Dana 80 ELocker gives heavy-duty truck owners a switch-activated rear locker from Eaton for the first time. Eaton announced it in an Oct. 29 news release. The company said both new applications would debut at the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Shipping starts in March 2027, so you have time to plan.
Eaton also introduced a 4-pinion Dana 60 unit, and both share a new architecture. The company describes the design as a platform for future Eaton ELocker growth. The redesign targets durability and strength in demanding applications.
If you shop for a Dana 80 locker, note the release lists no price. Below, you will find the fitment numbers and what the news means for your rig.
Notably, the current ELocker for the Dana 60 remains Eaton’s recommended solution. If your Dana 60 runs 4.56 or higher gears, Amazon lists an Eaton ELocker4 for 35-spline Dana 60 axles today.
Eaton ELocker4 Differential Dana 60 Performance 35 Spline 4.56 & Up Ratio
Eaton's selectable ELocker for Dana 60 rear axles with 35-spline shafts.
- Switch-activated locking from the dash
- Fits 35-spline Dana 60 rear axles
- Works as an open differential until you lock it
- Fits only 4.56 and higher ratios
Key Facts at a Glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Announced | Oct. 29, 2026, in an Eaton news release |
| Debut | 2026 SEMA Show, Nov. 3-6, Las Vegas |
| Dana 80 4-Pinion ELocker | Rear axle, 11.5-inch ring gear, 40-spline shafts, 4.10 and up ratios |
| Dana 60 4-Pinion ELocker | Rear axle, 9.75-inch ring gear, 35-spline shafts, 4.10 and down or 4.56 and up ratios |
| Shipping | March 2027 |
| Current ELocker for the Dana 60 | Remains Eaton’s recommended solution and stays fully supported |
| Price | Not listed in the release |
What Eaton Announced for the Dana 80 ELocker
Eaton’s Mobility segment announced next-generation Dana 60 and Dana 80 applications for its ELocker differential. The Dana 80 unit is Eaton’s first for the Dana 80 axle. Both units use a new 4-pinion architecture, which Eaton calls a base for later additions to the line.
The company credits real-world feedback for its approach. Emily Styburski, product manager for Aftermarket Performance at Eaton’s Mobility segment, said, “Built by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, the new Dana 60 ELocker reflects Eaton’s commitment to product innovation driven by real-world feedback and experience.” Notably, her quote names the Dana 60, not the Dana 80.
Inside the 4-Pinion ELocker: What Changed
Eaton lists six design changes in the new units: a ramp-style design, a reinforced thrust washer with more surface area, a larger lock collar, an upgraded cross-shaft, a strengthened cast-iron case and added ring gear bolt support. According to Eaton, these changes improve durability, strength and overall product robustness for demanding applications.
Eaton’s release does not describe any change to how you engage the locker. Its ELocker product page describes the line’s operation instead. A flip of a dash switch takes the axle from open to 100 percent locked, and a second flip returns to normal driving. Eaton also says the ELocker works in forward and reverse.
Which Axles and Ratios Fit the Dana 80 ELocker
Both new units are rear axle applications. The Dana 80 4-Pinion ELocker fits an 11.5-inch ring gear and 40-spline shafts, with gear ratios of 4.10 and up. Meanwhile, the Dana 60 4-Pinion ELocker fits a 9.75-inch ring gear and 35-spline shafts.
Eaton splits Dana 60 gearing into two ranges: 4.10 and down, and 4.56 and up. Since Eaton lists ratio ranges, confirm your ring gear size, spline count and gear ratio against its listing before you order. If you plan to change gears first, our guide on whether you need to regear for 35s explains how ratios work.
What This Means for You
Owners of a Dana 80 rear axle get the first Eaton ELocker built for it. Specifically, it fits 11.5-inch ring gears with 4.10 and higher ratios, so confirm your numbers before you pick a Dana 80 locker.
Anyone who already runs a Dana 60 ELocker keeps full support, with no immediate changes to availability, ordering or customer support, according to Eaton. Therefore, you do not need to swap anything. Buyers planning a new Dana 60 install should weigh March 2027 shipping against buying the current unit today.
Locker type matters as much as brand. For a full comparison of selectable, automatic and spool designs, read our locking differentials guide. If you plan a bigger axle build, see what 40-inch portal builds from SEMA involve.
Want traction without a dash switch? Eaton also sells the Detroit Truetrac. It is a helical-gear, limited-slip differential with automatic operation in forward and reverse. Amazon lists a Truetrac for 35-spline Dana 60 rear axles with 4.10 and lower gears.
Eaton 915A385 Detroit Truetrac Differential 35 Spline 1.50 in. Axle Shaft Diameter 4.10 And Down Ring Gear Pinion Ratio Rear Dana 60 Detroit Truetrac Differential
Eaton's helical-gear limited-slip differential with smooth, automatic operation.
- Works without a dash switch
- Fits 35-spline Dana 60 rear axles
- Covers 4.10 and lower gear ratios
- Gives you less control than a selectable locker
Final Thoughts
If you wheel or tow with a Dana 80 out back, this announcement deserves a spot on your calendar. A switch-activated locker lets you run open on the highway and lock when the trail or boat ramp demands it. Eaton’s release lists no price, so hold your Dana 80 locker budget until it does.
Dana 60 owners have an easy path. The current ELocker remains Eaton’s pick, and nothing about its support changes. The new 4-pinion build matters most if you plan a fresh install after March 2027.
Keep one caution in mind. Eaton’s release comes without a price, install notes or a truck-by-truck fitment list. Until those arrive, treat it as a promising option, not a decision. If you want a locker today, the current ELocker for the Dana 60 and the Truetrac give you available choices.
FAQ
What is the Dana 80 ELocker?
It is Eaton’s first selectable locker for the Dana 80, a rear-axle differential with a 4-pinion architecture. According to Eaton, it fits an 11.5-inch ring gear and 40-spline shafts with 4.10 and up gear ratios.
When does the Dana 80 ELocker ship?
Eaton says the new Dana 60 and Dana 80 applications begin shipping in March 2027.
How much does the Dana 80 ELocker cost?
Eaton’s news release lists no price. Watch Eaton’s site for pricing as March 2027 approaches.
How does an ELocker lock the axle?
Per Eaton’s ELocker product page, a flip of a dash switch takes the differential from open to 100 percent locked. A second flip returns to normal driving.
Should Dana 60 owners wait for the 4-pinion ELocker?
Eaton says the current ELocker for the Dana 60 remains its recommended solution and stays fully supported. The company also lists no immediate changes to availability, ordering or customer support.
Does the new Dana 80 ELocker fit front axles?
Eaton’s release lists rear axle applications only for the Dana 60 and Dana 80 units.