Dear Forum,

I am new to the e-locker system and I am wondering if it is OK to turn on the e-locker of my '15 6.2 F350 (ESOF) for long periods of time. Specifically, since it disengages over 20 MPH, and presumably re-engages as I slow below that, in-town driving in the snow will result in frequent on on-off transitions. Is it designed for this sort of use, or is it supposed to be engaged just for brief periods, for example, when stuck?

Thanks for the insight. I haven't seen the inside of one of these devices, so I don't really know what it does mechanically, and how it might be affected by repeated engagements.

Best,
Dan

 

I think it locks the axles electronically better than limited slip. I only use mine for off road or plowing. I don't think it would be a good idea to run it constantly on dry roads.

 

I thought they automatically unlocked if the truck goes over a certain speed?

 

Depends on conditions.

It will unlock over 20 MPH, so it'll be constantly locking and unlocking, which i don't believe will hurt it. The E-locker isn't supposed to be used on dry roads or anything close to that though, as you'll be skidding your rear tires every time you make a turn.

Beyond that the truck will become very difficult to control with the rear end locked on slippery surfaces, as both rear tires will break free at the same time leaving nothing to keep your rear end straight. None of this will hurt the locker, but if you wreck the truck it may not matter. Lockers are a feature that have until recently been reserved for the serious off-road crowd who need them when in extremely difficult situations. Not appropriate for ANY sort of on-road use unless you're concerned about getting stuck.

The only time I think this would be appropriate is if you were off-road the entire day. Avoid driving on lawns or any other surface you care about it, the rear tire scrub will tear stuff up!

 

If you are only going in a straight line then I see no problem with leaving it on. Don't try to turn on a high traction surface with it locked because you run the risk of breaking something and in a low traction condition having the locker engaged while turning will cause the back end to push sideways.

 

If you're not use to a posi rear end or have not had one before use it sparingly and learn how it reacts to different condition and maybe have you're AAA paid up.

 

Got it. Probably not harmful to the diff, but probably not helpful (and possibly more likely to cause sliding) unless I'm already stuck. Then, it's probably best to turn it off soon thereafter. Thanks for the insight! Ford's Owner's Manual devotes all of one whole page to it, and leaves a lot to the imagination.
Best,
Dan

 

I don't have the owner's manual handy, but I'm curious.... How do you turn the E locker on, & keep it on??

 

For ESOF, pull on the ESOF ****. For 4x2s, turn E-locking **** to "on" position. The computer will lock/unlock at 20 MPH automatically.

 

Thanks for the quick reply Wambo! I wasn't aware of this feature.

 

Yesterday we got 14 inches of snow in a very short time. I had to drive 65 miles in it to get home. While in town where the roads were unplowed, I kept the truck in 4wd and the diff locked.
I don't claim to be an extraordinarily outstanding driver, but while vehicles were stuck and sliding, I was able to move smoothly and easily down the road feeling well planted and in control the whole way.
The e-locker is a great tool for low traction situations - much better than an open diff.

 

I have a Detroit locker in my f350 and it doesn't chirp my tires in a turn unless I smash the skinny pedal. And diring snow fall and icy conditions my truck is extremely stable, more now than it ever was with the factory limited no traction

 

No way when your turning at lower speeds you will bind it up causing damage. Learned this the hard way in my 13 raptor

 

totally different setup. The Detroit locker is designed to allow one tire to turn slower when turning to prevent damage by automatically unlocking. The e-locker ford uses is basically like a spool when engaged, there is no give inside the differential. Either one of the tires will slide or you'll break the weakest link which is usually the axle.

I've used the e-locker to back up a slippery field drive onto dry pavement and the locker didn't disengage right away so I had to wait to finish the turn because I was afraid of breaking something from the binding.

 

To be fair, they wouldn't sell an E-locker if the axle couldn't handle the strain on dry pavement. I can't remember hearing of someone breaking their axle from misuse, and there are a LOT of these things on the road. Just like turning in 4WD; lots of folks say you'll break something expensive, but I've never heard of that actually happening.

Definitely not good for it though, I rarely use my locker and only when conditions warrant.