Electronic Locking Axle, Necessary?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 996
Likes: 132
From: Oklahoma
Electronic Locking Axle, Necessary?
I'm thinking I will be ordering a 24 in the next day or so that will probably turn in to a 25. My current truck has the electronic locking axle as an option that I have never used, at least if I did I wasn't aware of doing anything. It has been in 4 wheel drive a few times but mostly it just hauls our fifth wheel and I'm rarely (never) anywhere to need it. On the few occasions we have slick roads in the winter we take the wife's Subaru. Anyway, the electronic locking axle is an option over the non locking version which is standard. I'm thinking the standard version will be fine for the way I use the truck. Maybe someone can help me sort it out.
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 669
Likes: 179
I agree ….. the electronic locking axle is a waste of money for many of us. I use 4x4 a lot but have never been in a situation that locking the rear axle was of any value.
I find it a bit surprising because I own several class 8 trucks with lockers and with those trucks I often find it necessary to lock the axles to gain traction in snow.
Like I said, with my pick up, if the truck doesn’t move in 2 wd locking the rear axle never makes the difference. Putting it into 4 wheel drive always makes the difference.
I find it a bit surprising because I own several class 8 trucks with lockers and with those trucks I often find it necessary to lock the axles to gain traction in snow.
Like I said, with my pick up, if the truck doesn’t move in 2 wd locking the rear axle never makes the difference. Putting it into 4 wheel drive always makes the difference.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 143
Likes: 46
I don't have the Ford version, but have needed the rear locker several times when I've had one front wheel and the opposite rear wheel off the ground..... it doesn't sound like that's the kind of driving you do..... when I've used it I can really feel the difference in the steering....
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 534
Likes: 168
From: Park County, CO
I will always opt for a locker/posi in the rear when possible. Why? I grew up on a ranch in Oklahoma and having a rear posi on our 4WD trucks meant we could go farther without breaking through the surface of muddy fields. Breaking through meant it was time to get the tractor. I now live in CO and use my Jeep on the off-road trails here. I locker means I get less rear wheel spin and can go slower up the sides of the passes. Less speed/wheel spin means less breaking stuff.
I have never needed a locker on snowy highways but if I end up in the ditch, I'll be glad I have it.
For what it's worth, I have seen 2 different GM trucks with G80 lockers go over the side of Hoosier pass. In both cases I was driving behind them and they clearly were not in 4WD. It's common to get some wheel spin when the road is snow packed because of the steep incline. The wheel spin and auto-lock caused their *** end to kick out hard sending them sideways and over the side. A mechanical locker or posi that is automatic in 2WD mode can be dangerous if you're not paying attention.
I have never needed a locker on snowy highways but if I end up in the ditch, I'll be glad I have it.
For what it's worth, I have seen 2 different GM trucks with G80 lockers go over the side of Hoosier pass. In both cases I was driving behind them and they clearly were not in 4WD. It's common to get some wheel spin when the road is snow packed because of the steep incline. The wheel spin and auto-lock caused their *** end to kick out hard sending them sideways and over the side. A mechanical locker or posi that is automatic in 2WD mode can be dangerous if you're not paying attention.
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Tuned
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Tuned
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 436
Likes: 51
From: Southwest WA
I agree ….. the electronic locking axle is a waste of money for many of us. I use 4x4 a lot but have never been in a situation that locking the rear axle was of any value.
I find it a bit surprising because I own several class 8 trucks with lockers and with those trucks I often find it necessary to lock the axles to gain traction in snow.
Like I said, with my pick up, if the truck doesn’t move in 2 wd locking the rear axle never makes the difference. Putting it into 4 wheel drive always makes the difference.
I find it a bit surprising because I own several class 8 trucks with lockers and with those trucks I often find it necessary to lock the axles to gain traction in snow.
Like I said, with my pick up, if the truck doesn’t move in 2 wd locking the rear axle never makes the difference. Putting it into 4 wheel drive always makes the difference.
It sounds like the "locking rear axle" in your truck is not working as designed.
I have a limited slip in my 99 F350 4x4 and it's easy to notice it engaging when for example driving uphill on wet grass in 2-wheel drive only.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 19,694
Likes: 12,819
From: Wyoming
I have used mine a few times. When all four wheels are chained up, it doesn't make much sense to have only two wheels putting down power.
I also helped recover a friends Super Duty by doing nothing more than showing him how to engage the e-locker.
I also helped recover a friends Super Duty by doing nothing more than showing him how to engage the e-locker.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 10,147
Likes: 7,975
From: Texas
I am not saying lockers or a LS rear won’t help because in a lot of situations they do.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 10,147
Likes: 7,975
From: Texas
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 2,277
Likes: 949
I will always opt for a locker/posi in the rear when possible. Why? I grew up on a ranch in Oklahoma and having a rear posi on our 4WD trucks meant we could go farther without breaking through the surface of muddy fields. Breaking through meant it was time to get the tractor. I now live in CO and use my Jeep on the off-road trails here. I locker means I get less rear wheel spin and can go slower up the sides of the passes. Less speed/wheel spin means less breaking stuff.
I have never needed a locker on snowy highways but if I end up in the ditch, I'll be glad I have it.
For what it's worth, I have seen 2 different GM trucks with G80 lockers go over the side of Hoosier pass. In both cases I was driving behind them and they clearly were not in 4WD. It's common to get some wheel spin when the road is snow packed because of the steep incline. The wheel spin and auto-lock caused their *** end to kick out hard sending them sideways and over the side. A mechanical locker or posi that is automatic in 2WD mode can be dangerous if you're not paying attention.
I have never needed a locker on snowy highways but if I end up in the ditch, I'll be glad I have it.
For what it's worth, I have seen 2 different GM trucks with G80 lockers go over the side of Hoosier pass. In both cases I was driving behind them and they clearly were not in 4WD. It's common to get some wheel spin when the road is snow packed because of the steep incline. The wheel spin and auto-lock caused their *** end to kick out hard sending them sideways and over the side. A mechanical locker or posi that is automatic in 2WD mode can be dangerous if you're not paying attention.