We got some nice,fluffy snow here over the past week in addition to what we already had here in northern MI. I live in an open field with plenty of rompin' room around me and I couldn't resist the chance to see what the new Ferd could do in 4x4 and the e-lock. I cut off the drive way and started out in the field which has close to 14-16" on it with a mix of fluffy on top of some more dense packy stuff. I started getting into it to pick up some speed (I couldn't get stuck because the wife said I was carrying her the 700 feet up to the house if I did) and holy moly that thing just startes a chattering away buckin and wheel hoppin and shakin' like nothing I've ever experienced before. I was afraid of snappin a driveshaft or spitting out an axle shaft u-joint! I could do the same thing with my old 08 F-150 and never had that problem. Anybody have any ideas on how to get the power to the ground without major ladder bars and such? No wonder the 5.0L beat the 6.2L on the dyno, the dang flexy drivetrain in the SD is eating it all up! Any suggestions? This just isn't gonna work, I drive through deep snow and mud quite often.

 

I have to agree with you. That is one of the first things I noticed about my new 250 SD. This is my first Ford and have the same question. Is this normal? If not how to fix.

 

Try it without the e-lock and see how it behaves.

 

My '01 does it too - in very low traction situations.

I think it basically comes down to you need better tires

 

I lived in IL for several winters and in the Winter I always had sand bags in the back of my truck, NEXT to the cab.

 

Try it without the e-lock and see how it behaves.

It seems worse without the e-lock on. I do know that the bfg rugged trail tires are crap in the snow. I almost have to put it in 4X4 to get out of the driveway.

 

Yeah, same without e-locker. I don't think it is the tires because that would spin easier without affecting drivetrain. The fact that they are making the truck chatter proves that they are getting traction and wanting to go forward causing the drivetrain to flex and "wrap". I would think that the radius arms in front would stop the axle from "wrapping" but the back may be caused from light springs so it rides better? I dunno. Maybe some stiffer/progressive shocks are the key ?? I just don't want big ol ladder bars hanging down in the rear.

 

Interesting. I thought e-lock was mainly for crawling and not so much for faster speeds. I thought I read somewhere here about that... how the axle will start hopping as you pick up speed. We are talking the locking rear differential right?

 

E lock disengages over 20mph

 

The wheel hop is at low speed when just starting to move. I find it especially bad when backing in the snow. The second the tires lose traction it starts and gets really severe if you keep the pressure on. The problem is if you let off you get stuck and have to put it in 4X4 to get out. This is not in deep snow only a few inches. I have never had this amount of hop with any other truck I have owned. Does anyone have an easy fix?

 

Exactly my point. It's axle wrap.

 

I didn't know that. Thanks.

That's not good.

 

All bets are off in 4 low though, it stays engaged at any speed (pg 277 in the manual):

ELECTRONIC LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL (ELD) (IF EQUIPPED)
The electronic locking differential (ELD) is a device housed in the rear
axle which allows both rear wheels to turn at the same speed. It provides
added traction on slippery and/or off road surfaces, particularly when
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. The ELD may be locked or
unlocked by the vehicle operator and can be engaged or disengaged on
the fly. When the axle is unlocked it will function like a standard rear
axle. When the axle is locked it will not allow the rear wheels to rotate
at different speeds when turning. It is not recommended for use on good
traction surfaces such as dry pavement. Doing so may result in abnormal
driving behavior and noise while cornering and excessive tire wear.
The ELD is affected by the following conditions of your vehicle:
• On 2WD vehicles and 4WD vehicles in 2H (4X2) or 4H (4X4 High),
the ELD will not engage if the vehicle speed is above 25 mph
(40 km/h).
• On 2WD vehicles and 4WD vehicles in 2H (4X2) or 4H (4X4 High),
the ELD will automatically disengage at speeds above 25 mph
(40 km/h) and will automatically reengage at speeds below 19 mph
(30 km/h).
• On 4WD vehicles in 4L (4X4 Low), the ELD can be engaged at any
speed and will not automatically disengage.

 

Ford followed other manufactures and made the rear springs longer for a smoother ride. This leads to axle wrap like others have said. Better shocks can help some but won't fix the problem my opinion.

 

Like I said, my 2001 did it from brand-new. That's with F250 blocks in the rear, not the longer F350 blocks, short springs, etc.

GOOD TIRES like Goodyear Silent Armors made it go away. Because they don't slip.

Either that, or I have to NAIL the go-pedal and get all 4 spinning right away