Electric Locker
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 210
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will a Limited slip still be an option as well, its a simple design that hasn't failed me yet. From all my vehicles, I have found that the electronics are the first to let me down. Can't see where an electronic locker would be any different.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7,698
Likes: 4
From: Neenah, Wisconsin
electric lockers are super simple...just a simple electromagnet.....the limited slips are marginal at best off road....i've got my truck almost stuck twice due to only one rear wheel spinning after the other got burried in snow...i'd buy the electric locker if it came in a high end truck...ie..platinum or lariat..
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 22,436
Likes: 17
From: Louisville,Ky.
Originally Posted by unrulee
I could never run an automatic locker due to wintertime driving, although that locked up rear end will help to get you out of the ditch after it puts you in it 
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I have never had issues with the traction-lok in My Mustang or trucks in snow and such. No you can't just floor it and expect it to go straight like a 1 legger, but if you drive like you have some sense, it works much better. I bought 4 4x4 not a 1x1. Two in the rear and at least one in the front takes off in snow and such like it's on pavement. Just had about 12" of snow last weekend 
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 140
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From: San Diego
Originally Posted by Ryan50hrl
electric lockers are super simple...just a simple electromagnet.....the limited slips are marginal at best off road....i've got my truck almost stuck twice due to only one rear wheel spinning after the other got burried in snow...i'd buy the electric locker if it came in a high end truck...ie..platinum or lariat..
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,473
Likes: 0
From: Coal Country, ND
Originally Posted by LxMan1
It's all in knowing how to drive I suppose.
I have a feelin that we get a little more snow here in North Dakota than in Kentucky. We have ice on the roads for at least 3-4 months. There are times when slippery conditions WILL sneak up on you (black ice). I'd rather have one wheel spin than both in a situation like that!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,684
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From: Phoenix, AZ
Originally Posted by unrulee
Zero reason to have one , I'd much rather run a selectable differential (either open or locked, my choice not due to wheelspeed or any other electrical nanny) than a limited slip. Especially in the winter time, an open diff is much more stable than a limited slip, and 1000x more stable than a locked diff.
Once the going gets tough, be it deep snow, mud, etc. push the button for the diff lock and prepair to be amazed. Once you get back on the pavement unlock the diff and turn with ease. Have you ever tried to turn a locked up rear end on a hard surface
!
Limited slips have clutch packs to wear out, a selectable locker will wear out eventually I'm sure (haven't heard of it, but everything wears out), but you'd have to rebuild alot of LS diffs in the meantime.
A locker and a spool function EXACTLY the same when the diff is locked.
A spool is not a locker, and is not selectable. A spool is not a viable option for almost every vehicle, except for ones that take life a 1/4 of a mile at a time.
, I'd much rather run a selectable differential (either open or locked, my choice not due to wheelspeed or any other electrical nanny) than a limited slip. Especially in the winter time, an open diff is much more stable than a limited slip, and 1000x more stable than a locked diff. Once the going gets tough, be it deep snow, mud, etc. push the button for the diff lock and prepair to be amazed. Once you get back on the pavement unlock the diff and turn with ease. Have you ever tried to turn a locked up rear end on a hard surface
!Limited slips have clutch packs to wear out, a selectable locker will wear out eventually I'm sure (haven't heard of it, but everything wears out), but you'd have to rebuild alot of LS diffs in the meantime.
A locker and a spool function EXACTLY the same when the diff is locked.
A spool is not a locker, and is not selectable. A spool is not a viable option for almost every vehicle, except for ones that take life a 1/4 of a mile at a time.
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Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Airdrie Alberta
Originally Posted by unrulee
I know how to drive in the winter time, been doing it for 15 years I have a feelin that we get a little more snow here in North Dakota than in Kentucky. We have ice on the roads for at least 3-4 months. There are times when slippery conditions WILL sneak up on you (black ice). I'd rather have one wheel spin than both in a situation like that!
I have a feelin that we get a little more snow here in North Dakota than in Kentucky. We have ice on the roads for at least 3-4 months. There are times when slippery conditions WILL sneak up on you (black ice). I'd rather have one wheel spin than both in a situation like that!
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
Originally Posted by 04 FX4 Lineman
Could u guys tell me what u mean by a spool, and can u use a elec. locker in 4X4 hi. ??
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,684
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From: Phoenix, AZ
Originally Posted by 04 FX4 Lineman
Could u guys tell me what u mean by a spool, and can u use a elec. locker in 4X4 hi. ??
the locker shouldn't have anything to do with what range the transfer case is in, but they probably can control that from the factory if they want via the PCM. I don't see that as being too hard of a mod to make, to take control of it whenever you want, when you want...
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 182
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From: nj
Originally Posted by Fosters
the locker shouldn't have anything to do with what range the transfer case is in, but they probably can control that from the factory if they want via the PCM. I don't see that as being too hard of a mod to make, to take control of it whenever you want, when you want...
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,473
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From: Coal Country, ND
Originally Posted by rollerstud98
I find it easier to get around with a limited slip then an open rear end in winter, only a couple times have i ever slid when not intending to. but where i live in canada we have pretty mild winters and most of our roads are melted within a week or 2 of it snowing
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 140
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From: San Diego
Originally Posted by bluedevil3758
chevy offers them in 2wd trucks, hopefully ford will do the same and offer it for every trim level