locking rear end question
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 488
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From: Gettysburg, Pa
locking rear end question
I have a silly 4x4 question, I have never had a vehicle with a electronic locking rear before. My 2015 has the factory one. I am getting ready to head to hunting camp and we have some deep snow this year. Can I use the locking rear with 4x4 hi for my best chance to get the most traction?
Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 55
Likes: 3
The E-locker is great, just be careful using it on crowned roads (like logging roads, for example) as you can quickly find your read end going sideways with the locker engaged—ask me how I know! I typically use mine only when getting unstuck, once you’re rolling regular 4X4 is usually good enough.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,475
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From: Calgary Canada
Just to add, and in case you or anyone else doesn't know, don't use the locker on decent roads "just in case" traction gets bad, as having the axle locked can case you to spin and loose side-to side grip. It also make turning hard if traction is good.
An old field hand I worked with used to tell me that he never used 4x4 to get INTO any location, he'd only use it to get OUT if he got stuck on the way in. I could see the benefit to applying that thinking to the e-locker too. Your strategy is up to you.
An old field hand I worked with used to tell me that he never used 4x4 to get INTO any location, he'd only use it to get OUT if he got stuck on the way in. I could see the benefit to applying that thinking to the e-locker too. Your strategy is up to you.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,470
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From: Staten Island, NY
In 4X4 Low Range it stays engaged until 62 mph. Sort of a scary thought!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2016
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Calgary Canada
That's redline in top gear.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2016
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I honestly don’t think I’ve ever driven one of my trucks over 35 mph in low range. Frankly, because once I’ve gotten past what required low range, I’ve always shifted to high range. In all honesty, as long as you don’t rev the motor too high, I can’t see that it would be detrimental to the truck, but I’d probably feel better about shifting back to high.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,470
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From: Staten Island, NY
Not really. For example, my Lariat has 275-65R18 tires, and a 3.55 rear. Since 10th gear is a 0.63 overdrive if you work the numbers backwards from tire rolling circumference, axle ratio, transfer case low range reduction and 10th gear ratio you should be turning about 3844 rpm at 60 mph in low range. That's quite a ways from redline.
I still wouldn't want to try it. 60 mph with a locked rear on a slippery road where the rear end will follow any road irregularity right into the ditch.
I still wouldn't want to try it. 60 mph with a locked rear on a slippery road where the rear end will follow any road irregularity right into the ditch.
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 530
Likes: 2
From: LI, NY
On an open rear, only 1 tire will spin, the other gives side traction. A locked rear, if you spin both tires, neither will have much side traction. Rather than avoid using the locker, avoid spinning the tires.
I had a problem starting up an icy cambered hill in my double, auto-locked offroad truck one time. It kept drifting sideways. The solution was to unlock one front locking hub, which put me in 3WD. Which is where your Ford will will be 4WD/locked because the front axle is always open.
I had a problem starting up an icy cambered hill in my double, auto-locked offroad truck one time. It kept drifting sideways. The solution was to unlock one front locking hub, which put me in 3WD. Which is where your Ford will will be 4WD/locked because the front axle is always open.
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