L.T.

I should have added it will be 4x4 also.

Kansas Transit

Non- limited slip is just a fancy name for an open rear, a "one legger" On a slippery surface step on the gas and only one wheel will spin, the Electronic locker is just what it sounds like, a rear that has a center section that when "tuned on" will lock the two rear axles together (not really, but that is how it acts).

I believe on the Ford the computer senses slip and intermittently applies a small amount of brake to the spinning wheel which transfers power to the wheel that is not spinning, I also believe it only activates under 35 mph.

Personally I prefer the third choice, a true locker rear, either controlled by clutches, cones or my favorite, an air locker.

Most if not all of these third choices must be installed aftermarket. I am not even sure if Ford offers a true locker any more.

As far as 4x4 is concerned it makes no difference, the ONLY time you would want a locker of any type in the front rear would be for really serious off road work, in most cases it just isn't needed.

Hope that helps,

Manuellabour247

^^Yup.

Open diff/non-limited slip= "one wheel wonder"
Lockable rear is just that. Locks both wheels to turn the same rpm. Mine will hop if on a dry surface. Had it in the snow last winter and when I hit pavement it tried to go straight even though my wheels were turned. It chirped to remind me to shut it off. Although on the newer trucks it will automatically shut off when above 20ish miles an hour IIRC.

The braking effect is on all of the Ford trucks as a safety feature of the AdvanceTrac. It's an electronic limited slip that will engage the brakes through the wheel speed sensors and ABS system. It applies rapid, but light force to the spinning wheel to attempt to transfer the power to the non-spinning wheel. It's a great idea, but I had problems with it and the open diff combo in my previous 2013. The same system is what works with your anti sway (trailer control). Some people love it, some hate it. I personally have mixed feelings about it.


EDIT** I believe the electronic locker may come standard on the 4x4 trucks now. I could be wrong on that one. It will only lock the rear differential though. To lock the front you would need an aftermarket system. But as stated by Kansas Transit, that's really only for hardcore offroading. No need for it in everyday applications.

GearheadGeek

It is my impression that the electronic-locking diff and the brake application for the trailer-sway control are entirely different systems. I don't think the E-locker is brake-based, Ford describes it thusly: "The electronic-locking rear differential, when engaged, locks the rear axle completely to provide enhanced traction at both rear wheels at the same time." That would not be an honest description of the brake-based fake-limited-slip systems.

Manuellabour247

Yes they are completely different systems.

The electronic limited slip is not an actual limited slip. It uses the braking system as the limiting factor of wheel slipping. It uses the brakes to try and transfer power to the non slipping wheel. It uses the ABS system as well as the sway control portion of the trailer sway to keep the tires from getting to out of control.

Please do not confuse the electronic safety for a real limited slip. A real limited slip is part of the axle driveline. It uses a mechanism to transfer power to a slipping wheel through mechanical means inside the axle itself. That's my knowledge throughout the years. I'm sure I'm not explaining it easily. Hopefully somebody can spin it to where everybody can understand.

L.T.

Thanks All for the replies so far. I understand the difference wouldn't impact the front end, simply added the 4x4 comment as that would give me plenty of traction if needed.
I currently have an Off-Road edition Ram but as I have gotten older I don't find myself off road much. I do however live in the Midwest and we average probably 40" of snowfall a year. It's sounding like overall the Electronic would be the way to go, and I assume the mpg difference between those two gear choices would be very minimal. Decisions, decisions...

Kansas Transit

For what you are doing just go with the E-locker with your choice of available ratio, with 4x4 it is really all you will ever need, (as long as you have decent tires).






JMHO, Stan

Manuellabour247

I agree. If I had it to do over again, I'd have the e-locker with 4x4. As it stands now I just have the e-locker with 3.55 gear. Just the elock will get you out of a lot of situations, but it's limited by the safety features of AdvanceTrac. That's where the 4x4 works best. Good luck

MP15TDriver

Okay, I didn't order the elock on my KR 3.5EB 4x4 with 3.31 (non-limited slip). I'm I going to be hating life in a snowy commute in Michigan?

As I understand it, elock is only active up to 35mph. If I'm not towing or doing any major off-road snowy/muddy travel, is elock 1) necessary or 2) even beneficial?

Manuellabour247

Since you have 4x4, it's really a non issue. The locker would just allow you to get out of minor problems without having to engage your 4WD system. Such as snow that's just deep enough to prevent you from getting momentum from a stop. I wouldn't worry about not having it since you have 4WD. It's really a convenience like getting heated seats. You usually don't need it, but it's nice to have. Lol