Electronic Locking Axle, Necessary?
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 436
Likes: 51
From: Southwest WA
Lift one rear wheel off the ground and put it in drive to see what happens?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 759
Likes: 95
No it is not automatic. Once in 4wd, if you want the electronic locker to engage, you need to pull the 4wd **** outward.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 10,147
Likes: 7,975
From: Texas
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,058
Likes: 424
From: Too close to Houston
Yes, the axle unlocks automatically at 25mph or so and then reengages when the speed drops back down if you accidentally leave it locked in.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,058
Likes: 424
From: Too close to Houston
On a slick hillside having one wheel on each axle not spinning keeps you going the direction you want. If both tires are spinning on an axle that axle is going to want to go sideways down the hill.
That said, I have the electronic locker but haven’t used it. The weight of the diesel over the front axle along with the traction control system has gotten me everywhere I needed to go. Others have different needs. I think the OP would be well served with 4x4 (not Fx4) and a non locking rear.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,410
Likes: 1,016
From: Central KY
Ford blew it. A limited slip diff like Ram uses is FAR more useful to the average guy. Even better is the automatic mechanical locker that GM uses. Both are seamless, increase traction, are great to use ON the road as well as off the road, and don't require any intervention from the driver. I don't know what Ford was thinking when they spec'd the axles in the Super Duty trucks.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 1,583
Likes: 1,117
My F350 has limited slip which requires no thought and is better for what I do with my truck.......the electronic locker is better for actual offroad use and I like that you have to physically engage it because I suspect there are times where an automatic system like GM uses could cause stability issues.
I still say buy the locker; it's cheap and you might really need it one day but if not, it may be an easier truck to sell when the time comes. Funny thing, in Canada, I couldn't option an F350SRW without the locker.....maybe it's like the cold weather package (block heater and rapid heat) on the diesels which are standard on trucks to be sold in Canada.
Cheers,
Dave
I still say buy the locker; it's cheap and you might really need it one day but if not, it may be an easier truck to sell when the time comes. Funny thing, in Canada, I couldn't option an F350SRW without the locker.....maybe it's like the cold weather package (block heater and rapid heat) on the diesels which are standard on trucks to be sold in Canada.
Cheers,
Dave
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,410
Likes: 1,016
From: Central KY
My F350 has limited slip which requires no thought and is better for what I do with my truck.......the electronic locker is better for actual offroad use and I like that you have to physically engage it because I suspect there are times where an automatic system like GM uses could cause stability issues.
I still say buy the locker; it's cheap and you might really need it one day but if not, it may be an easier truck to sell when the time comes. Funny thing, in Canada, I couldn't option an F350SRW without the locker.....maybe it's like the cold weather package (block heater and rapid heat) on the diesels which are standard on trucks to be sold in Canada.
Cheers,
Dave
I still say buy the locker; it's cheap and you might really need it one day but if not, it may be an easier truck to sell when the time comes. Funny thing, in Canada, I couldn't option an F350SRW without the locker.....maybe it's like the cold weather package (block heater and rapid heat) on the diesels which are standard on trucks to be sold in Canada.
Cheers,
Dave
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 387
Likes: 105
A four-wheel drive super duty with open diffs is two-wheel drive in slick conditions. A two-wheel drive with a locking diff is two wheel drive in slick conditions. In your situation I would buy a cheaper more efficient better riding less hassle two-wheel drive and opt for the optional locking diff. And the locking diff disengages at 25 miles an hour
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 3,995
Likes: 2,327
A four-wheel drive super duty with open diffs is two-wheel drive in slick conditions. A two-wheel drive with a locking diff is two wheel drive in slick conditions. In your situation I would buy a cheaper more efficient better riding less hassle two-wheel drive and opt for the optional locking diff. And the locking diff disengages at 25 miles an hour
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
Yes, 20MPH IIRC.