Adding Factory E-Locker to Open Diff Truck?

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Jan 18, 2024 | 04:14 PM

#16

ATC Crazy

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Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 12,357

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From: SW VA

Quote:

Originally Posted by '65Ford

The one question I have for this idea is what might happen if a fellow forgets to turn it off...at freeway speed or on dry pavement for instance. I think the factory setup disengages the lock above a certain speed.

Common sense. A locked axle is very easy to detect in turns.
Also, being on an upfitter, it would disengage with the ignition just in case you left it on and parked the truck for the night.

Jan 18, 2024 | 09:56 PM

#17

Joe T

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Joined: Mar 2017

Posts: 10,180

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From: Chaz

If you can run a posi a Trutrac is probably optimal. I would prefer that over the elocker in many ways.

If you run the elocker off a switch you get rid of the 25mph disengagement.

Jan 18, 2024 | 10:45 PM

#18

twobelugas

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Joined: May 2021

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Quote:

Originally Posted by ATC Crazy

Also, being on an upfitter, it would disengage with the ignition just in case you left it on and parked the truck for the night.

But wouldn't it re-engage when your turn the truck back on the next time you drive?

Jan 18, 2024 | 11:16 PM

#19

Ltngdrvr

Lead Driver

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 8,482

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Quote:

Originally Posted by twobelugas

But wouldn't it re-engage when your turn the truck back on the next time you drive?

Yup, sure would.

Jan 18, 2024 | 11:22 PM

#20

'65Ford

Cargo Master

Joined: Jan 2016

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Ltngdrvr

Going straight ahead nothing much would happen, but in a turn the locked rear would cause one tire to start barking as it jumps since it can't turn at a different speed as the other tire.
And, yes, factory locked rear disengages at, I believe, 25 mph.

Any idea if a heavy load would provide enough traction to make something break? I figure it will depend on how strong of a "lock" it is and that info I can't find. I did a little looking and most folks mention wheel hop/skp but they're empty. I only found one person that broke something by leaving it switched on.

I'm guessing Ford hss some type of nanny protection.

Jan 25, 2024 | 01:32 PM

#21

00t444e

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Joined: May 2017

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From: Southern OH

I would go with something much better than the factory e locker like a Yukon Grizzly or Detroit locker.

Jan 25, 2024 | 03:09 PM

#22

f250blueoval

Mountain Pass

Joined: Dec 2023

Posts: 226

Likes: 121

Quote:

Originally Posted by 00t444e

I would go with something much better than the factory e locker like a Yukon Grizzly or Detroit locker.

The factory E locker takes a lot of abuse off road. Its not a bad locker.

Jan 25, 2024 | 03:25 PM

#23

00t444e

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Joined: May 2017

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From: Southern OH

Quote:

Originally Posted by f250blueoval

The factory E locker takes a lot of abuse off road. Its not a bad locker.

No good on the road though, and it isn't as reliable as an all mechanical locker.

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Sep 3, 2024 | 03:19 PM

#24

parish8

5th Wheeling

Joined: Sep 2024

Posts: 30

Likes: 19

Quote:

Originally Posted by gvsu141

Has anyone here swapped the OEM e-locker to a truck that came with the open diff from the factory? I have a 2018 6.2 XLT with the "37" axle code 3.73 open diff. I have found many cases where I'm missing the e-locker that I had in my F-150.

I have a few questions:

Is the wiring already available to do this?
- I know I would need the dash switch/selector.
Would it be better to swap the whole assembly, or just the gear/locker assembly? Would a e-locker gears be compatible with a non locker axle housing?
- I could get a whole axle assembly from a salvage yard for ~$1400
- Parts/bent axle assembly for ~$700/800, with a good e-locker.
- I would then sell my takeoff parts to recoup some of the cost either way.
Activate with ForScan?

Anything else I'm missing?

did you get this done? i would like to add a factory elocker rear axle to my truck. i can get a complete axle for a reasonable price at the local junk yard. i get stuck in the grass with the way it is now. i am curious if i can get the proper 4wd switch to work(i have a switch now but without the elock part) or even if i can just wire it up externally. either would be fine with me.

Sep 3, 2024 | 04:41 PM

#25

NYH1

Mountain Pass

Joined: Aug 2024

Posts: 207

Likes: 87

From: Central New York

Check these out;

Yukon Gear & Axle Dura Grip Positraction Carriers

Powertrax Grip Pro Traction Systems

LOCKERS, POSI's

NYH1.

Sep 3, 2024 | 04:50 PM

#26

parish8

5th Wheeling

Joined: Sep 2024

Posts: 30

Likes: 19

that is pretty cheap. i can get the entire rear axle for $600 and install that myself. i am not as confident installing a new carrier.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYH1

Check these out;

Yukon Gear & Axle Dura Grip Positraction Carriers

Powertrax Grip Pro Traction Systems

LOCKERS, POSI's

NYH1.

Sep 17, 2024 | 12:41 PM

#27

austinb1017

Cross-Country

Joined: Apr 2019

Posts: 84

Likes: 19

I was devastated my new 2024 order got screwed up and came with an open rear. I couldn't wait to reorder, so ive been researching my options to remedy this. Considering a tru trac, but would really prefer the factory e locker. I was looking under my truck, and the axle has the plug going into the diff for the locker. Do all diffs have the plug now, regardless if open or locking? Or, while I understand it an extreme long shot, could Ford have put a locking axle in my truck and just not the wiring and switch? I realize this is unlikely, however I know locking axles on super dutys are much more common than open. Would be awesome if I just had to wire it to an aux switch.

Sep 17, 2024 | 12:48 PM

#28

WXboy

Logistics Pro

Joined: Sep 2002

Posts: 4,411

Likes: 1,016

From: Central KY

I also have an open differential and hate it.

But, I believe e-locker is useless except for specific situations. A far better option is something seamless that is useful ALL the time, such as a Detroit TruTrac or similar. Basically a helical style limited slip is what you want. Those require no switches, wires, air lines, nothing. And they work on pavement, off pavement, foul weather, etc. Just a lot more bang for the buck.

I’m probably going to do a TruTrac in mine when money allows.

Sep 17, 2024 | 01:52 PM

#29

parish8

5th Wheeling

Joined: Sep 2024

Posts: 30

Likes: 19

My truck came with an open rear. I picked up a factory locker at the junk yard for $625. Picked up the dash switch for $50 on eBay. Put them in and plugged them in and as expected they do not work. Next week I am going to try and program the 4wd controller with an elocker truck program. I will report back if that works. If not I will wire it up myself.

Sep 17, 2024 | 03:04 PM

#30

austinb1017

Cross-Country

Joined: Apr 2019

Posts: 84

Likes: 19

Quote:

Originally Posted by parish8

Please do! Im trying not to get my hopes up, but I think my truck may have come with the locking carrier from the factory. The window sticker and door code of course say that it's open. I noticed the axle housing has the plug for the locker though. I then looked and the sticker on the axle itself has the code 3E31. From what I can tell from online research, this means 3.31 electronic locking. I compared to my dad's 2024 with the FX4 package, and the axle codes are identical. I will be ecstatic if I have the locker and just have to wire it up! Even more so if it's relatively simple to add factory function.

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