FX4 Real-World Use
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5th Gear
Joined: May 2026
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FX4 Real-World Use
For those with FX4 on a 2022 F-350: how much do you actually use the off-road mode and electronic locker in day-to-day driving? Mine has FX4 and the e-locker but I've mostly used it on pavement and light gravel. Wondering what situations other owners actually find these useful for.
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5th Gear
Joined: May 2026
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I'm going to have to play with Hill Descent mode. I haven't towed anything of substantial weight across elevation change, but I imagine it would be particularly helpful in that scenario. Thanks for sharing!
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2005
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I live 5 miles down a dirt road in the mountains in an area that gets a lot of snow, so I use my rear locker fairly regularly in the winter and when backing a trailer up hill. Don't really use the HDC at all, I just downshift the trans and let the gears in it work. I don't have a Tremor package since they didn't offer that for real trucks (long beds), but I am planning to install a front LSD soon.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 5,766
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From: Uh oh, CA
I didn't opt for the FX4 package. I did pay $15 for the Downhill Descent button and used Forscan to install it in my truck. Saying that, I have never used it. lol...
It's a common misconception, but the e-locker isn't part of the FX4 package. When I ordered my truck, I did opt for the e-locker, so I have it on my truck. I have used it a few times... a very little in ice/snow, but mostly when I go to my dad's, he has a short, steep driveway that goes down a large hill which is soft gravel. When it's time to go back up the hill I usually lock the e-locker in just to have a little extra traction when going up the hill. I am definitely glad I have it!
It's a common misconception, but the e-locker isn't part of the FX4 package. When I ordered my truck, I did opt for the e-locker, so I have it on my truck. I have used it a few times... a very little in ice/snow, but mostly when I go to my dad's, he has a short, steep driveway that goes down a large hill which is soft gravel. When it's time to go back up the hill I usually lock the e-locker in just to have a little extra traction when going up the hill. I am definitely glad I have it!
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 2,557
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From: Bighorn Basin, NW Wyoming
I use the e-locker and hill descent often, I also added an LSD in the front axle. Still not always able to get to where I want to go in the F-250. If I’m really serious about getting where I want to go when it’s slippery I take the lifted 2 door Rubicon.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 10,136
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From: Chaz
I have never used the hill decent control. Its flat around here.
The locker is handy when you need it. Use it occasionally.
The locker is handy when you need it. Use it occasionally.
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Fleet Mechanic
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True. The confusion is created because the E-locker is required for the FX4 package, but the E locker is a separate option.
The Hill Decent Control is for low speed control. It only works up to 20 mph.
The other parts of the FX4 are skid plates and stickers on the side of the bed.
I've used the E-locker once when pulling a loaded dump trailer up a rutted dirt driveway. 4WD alone didn't get me up the hill as one rear wheel or the other was losing traction. Had to back down and start over. Engaged the E-locker and made it up to the top.
The Hill Decent Control is for low speed control. It only works up to 20 mph.
The other parts of the FX4 are skid plates and stickers on the side of the bed.
I've used the E-locker once when pulling a loaded dump trailer up a rutted dirt driveway. 4WD alone didn't get me up the hill as one rear wheel or the other was losing traction. Had to back down and start over. Engaged the E-locker and made it up to the top.
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 306
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I use the e-locker often in the winter to get going from a stop light since these trucks doesn't have the auto 4x4 function. Also useful when trying to get my travel trailer up on leveling blocks at the campsite. I only use it for a few seconds at a time. I have never used hill decent other than trying it one time on a small hill. I don't know if it does anything that I can't do with my brake pedal.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
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FX4 basically gets you skidplates and stickers, but it requires the locker option since...2020 I think? Tremor gets you that and a LOT more.
As for the locker...I've used it ONCE on my truck while exploring some truck trails I'd never been down, and we got into some very soft sand/mud. Walked right through it all. That's been the only time I've even needed it.
I'd rather HAVE the locker and never need it, than need it and not have it.
As for the locker...I've used it ONCE on my truck while exploring some truck trails I'd never been down, and we got into some very soft sand/mud. Walked right through it all. That's been the only time I've even needed it.
I'd rather HAVE the locker and never need it, than need it and not have it.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2019
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Your F450 has the limited slip rear axle which was required for the FX4. Given the discussion was about the E-locker and the FX4 package I did not mention the difference in requirements between SRW and DRW trucks.