Marauder - that window dressing will be far more useful when you get into a suspension-articulating situation. And it doesn't take a whole lot of articulation to get one of the rear tires off the ground. I remember paying $1,000 on my little old blazer 15 years ago to put on an ARB air locker on the rear end. I couldn't afford to add it to the front diff. That single device turned that little truck into a Moab-ready trail rider. I was thrilled to see the ELD offered as a factory option and the implementation is so cool with the electric engagement rather than an air pressure engagement. I agree that the ELD is of little use in the snow, but wait until summer. Go climb some rocks and you'll be grateful.

Oh, I forgot to mention how useful it is when you're powering through sand also. It's great to know for sure both rear wheels are pushing at full power instead of one working and the other not.

 

I have tested mine out in a couple different ground situations. First was backing a gooseneck trailer in a barn. In order to get the trailer in the barn you have to drive down a slight hill in grass and proceed to back it up the hill into the barn. Well as I'm sure most of you know backing a trailer (empty) up hill on grass usually can’t be done unless in 4WD, at least in all my tries! My old 03 7.3 wouldn’t even start to move unless it was in 4WD. First time with the 11 I tried 2WD diff unlocked and not even a foot of movement. Locked the diff and off I went and never had to use 4WD.

Next go round I was in snow attempting to back a trailer full of wood on flat ground. Truck did pretty good at first but started to lose traction. Pulled the switch, locked the diff and off like a champ once again.

Both those times I was more than happy with how it functioned! I have attempted to use it when sitting sideways on a hill and immediately slid which I expected so I just put it in 4WD and kept it locked and all was well. I think this really makes the 4WD work well as some of you have already said, you have the advantage of 3 wheels pulling vs. just the two!!

Well worth the extra $$$ IMO!!

 

When I was at the Hershey Antique Car Show last October, my campsite was down in a hole. It had rained for a week before the event. It was greasy when we went to leave. Switched on the ELD and drove it out in 2wd.

Regards

 

Nice.....Good luck with it

 

I used mine all winter and notice the difference big time. I like the way it disengages around 25mph the reengages when back to 25 or below.I wish they had it for the front end too.

 

Yup, should be able to toggle on front and rear ELD, so, 4 wheel could really be 2, 3 or 4 wheel. With a F350, this would really be helpful in tough off road or semi offroad conditions, wet pasture, wet camping spot, desert sand, beach sand. Maybe in coming years, add to FX4 package and include both ELDs for a bargain. :-) Not that I am lucky enough to order yet......

 

Lot's of ice under snow here with uneven ground so it's easy to get stuck with just normal 4x4. The ELD has helped alot this year in my daily chores I've done for years. This is how I know it's value.
I would have a good Winch on front but I have a plow to contend with. The portable winchs for the rear are too heavy to carry and hook up for me. At least one that can haul a F350 6.7 out of a bind.