Locking rear end - needed?
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Trailering
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 16
Likes: 7
Locking rear end - needed?
I ordered a new F350 6.7 and I did not order the locking rear end. I never take it off road, it comes standard with 4x4. Why do almost all the trucks you see on the lot have the locking rear end option?
The way I see it is the only time I need the 4x4 is when there is chain control. In the last 10 years, I have not used my 4 x 4 three times.
The way I see it is the only time I need the 4x4 is when there is chain control. In the last 10 years, I have not used my 4 x 4 three times.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,477
Likes: 4,971
I ordered a new F350 6.7 and I did not order the locking rear end. I never take it off road, it comes standard with 4x4. Why do almost all the trucks you see on the lot have the locking rear end option?
The way I see it is the only time I need the 4x4 is when there is chain control. In the last 10 years, I have not used my 4 x 4 three times.
The way I see it is the only time I need the 4x4 is when there is chain control. In the last 10 years, I have not used my 4 x 4 three times.
My truck is 2Wd and I have the e-locker, and have used it a couple of times.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 2,300
Likes: 554
Most order it for the added traction afforded, dealers order it for stock because people want it, and it doesn't cost much.
My truck is 2Wd and I have the e-locker, and have used it a couple of times.
But, the e-locker in question is not a limited slip, it is a locker, fully locks the axle, can't be used except in very slippery conditions, otherwise it will bind up.
My truck is 2Wd and I have the e-locker, and have used it a couple of times.
But, the e-locker in question is not a limited slip, it is a locker, fully locks the axle, can't be used except in very slippery conditions, otherwise it will bind up.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 10,173
Likes: 8,037
From: Texas
I ordered a new F350 6.7 and I did not order the locking rear end. I never take it off road, it comes standard with 4x4. Why do almost all the trucks you see on the lot have the locking rear end option?
The way I see it is the only time I need the 4x4 is when there is chain control. In the last 10 years, I have not used my 4 x 4 three times.
The way I see it is the only time I need the 4x4 is when there is chain control. In the last 10 years, I have not used my 4 x 4 three times.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 793
Likes: 232
I got it, but mainly to use if I start getting stuck (or pre-emptive from getting stuck), towing in a grassy/muddy field on my 4 wheelin trips.
Some of the events, they have this kind of temporary parking lot in a field.
I don't offroad the 250, and don't use it in winter/salt. Only other thing I can think of is wanting to get out of the hole quick, in the rain, but basic 4WD
for the first 100 feet is all you need for that really.
Some of the events, they have this kind of temporary parking lot in a field.
I don't offroad the 250, and don't use it in winter/salt. Only other thing I can think of is wanting to get out of the hole quick, in the rain, but basic 4WD
for the first 100 feet is all you need for that really.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 779
Likes: 427
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,477
Likes: 4,971
If I were you I would likely opt for locking diff, and 2WD. Truck is considerably cheaper and lighter. With 4WD, open diffs, when all the traction os on one front and one rear you then have a “no wheel drive”! With a locking diff, 2WD or 4WD you can always have at least two wheels pulling or pushing.
Another reason my next truck, if there is one, will not be a Ford.
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Rather Be Rid'n!
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 448
Likes: 205
From: SE Massachusetts
Most order it for the added traction afforded, dealers order it for stock because people want it, and it doesn't cost much.
My truck is 2Wd and I have the e-locker, and have used it a couple of times.
But, the e-locker in question is not a limited slip, it is a locker, fully locks the axle, can't be used except in very slippery conditions, otherwise it will bind up.
My truck is 2Wd and I have the e-locker, and have used it a couple of times.
But, the e-locker in question is not a limited slip, it is a locker, fully locks the axle, can't be used except in very slippery conditions, otherwise it will bind up.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 1,590
Likes: 1,117
In Canada the Build and Price site only has electronic locking diffs so we get them no matter what (unless you get a DRW). Anyhow, they don't cost much, most people want them so for resale value alone I'd get it. I have a small fleet of trucks and always order limited slip or locker for the rear of our 4x4's. I guess the only downsides would be the cost of the option and a slight increase in complexity.
Dave
Dave
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 144
Likes: 46
I have a Toyota Tacoma, that I've bought new in 2003 (That I will be selling as soon as I take possession of my new F 250) and it's a very capable off road machine, and I've needed the locking rear end a hand full of times in the past 21 years. It's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.....OP, it sounds like you're not likely to need it for your application, but we never know just what the future holds.....
FTE Community Team
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 1,057
From: Florida
I had it on my 209 F-350 SRW. I used it several times only at my remote lot where the RV was on soft dirt. Another few times I used it to was to tow my 5th wheel through a pasture of wet grass.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 168
Likes: 153
Ya it just depends on where you live and what you do with your truck. I agree that most people will probably never need it. I live in the area that was in the national news a few weeks ago for getting over 5 feet of snow (which isn't that unusual for us), and where I live, it's good to have as many tires lock in as possible. The county plows leave packed windrows that can be over 2 feet high, and the front tires will get stuck in those unless you have the rear locked. I don't know why Ford options most trucks with it, but for my needs, having a rear locker is critical.