I'm in the market for a 2015+ F150 and I noticed that limited slip diffs don't appear to be an option anymore which is unfortunate. To make up for that I'm looking at trucks with the E-Locking rear diff and I'm seeing two different types of shift *****. One with a single icon to lock which states the need to pull the dial, and another type of **** that shows two icons. Is there a difference here? Is the one with two icons have different settings for 2WD mode vs 4WD? A picture of the two ***** is attached. Sorry for the blurry quality on the second image, hopefully that'll be enough to show what I'm talking about. Any insight is appreciated as I can't seem to find too much on it.

 

They are the same. I believe the changed it for some reason along the line. Also, just as an FYI:

Limited slip was a clutch pack that would 'lock' the rear axle together unless there was too much load on one side (think turning a corner or one tire in mud, one on dry ground) Limited slip was better than traction control when both tires were in a slippery mess. However, traction control is better in the scenario where only one tire is on something slippery and the other one is on dry. An E-locker is superior to both for low speed low traction situations as it truly locks the axle together and forces both tires to spin at the same speed regardless of surface. I will also note that for me personally, I had to have the E-locker when I purchased, but I have yet to use it. Keep in mind that I'm on pavement 98% of the time though YMMV.

What would almost be best is all three. Although I'm not aware of any truck that has that from the factory. Most manufacturers have moved away from a limited slip setup. My guess would be because eventually they wear out and need to be replaced/rebuild. An E-locker should last well beyond a limited slip.

 

Thank you for that clarification. I have a LSD in my current F150 and I just like it because its always on and always working. I understand that clutch packs go bad and need replacing which is a downside. I do quite a bit of towing and winter driving up north which is why I thought a LSD would be benificial, but you brought up a good point about the traction control. My curent truck doesn't have traction control which is probably why the LSD is an option. I understand I will probably rarely use the e-lock but I think it would be a good thing to have. I appreciate the feedback.

 

It sounds like the auto setting on the 4wd transfer case would do you great in those conditions.

 

There is also a speed limit on the elocker. You can pull it to lock up the rear end but once you hit a certain speed the computer unlocks it. It will disengage at 25MPH and reengage at 20MPH. When you first said the two versions of the 4wd **** I thought you were going to point out the one you showed and the one that also has 4A which is auto 4wd.

Based on what you are showing that is likely just a difference in model years and markings or maybe one was replaced at some point with a newer one.

 

Thanks for that explanation! I've wondered why LSD wasn't on my new truck, and that explains it. (Our salesperson didn't know the difference; in fact, she thought the e-locker icon was something with the trailer backup assist!)

 

Elocker works better when you are stuck. With an LSD you have to get up tire speed to apply any torque to the wheel with traction and then still often have to apply the brake to get some torque transfer.

With Elocker you just idle out with equal wheel speed to each side like you have a spool in each side.

On a related note a friend of mine bought an XLT 2.7EB 4x4 with no Elocker. The TCS actually works surprisingly well in some situations. Pull off the road a little to far and put one tire in wet grass and when you take off get a little wheel speed and it will transfer enough torque to spin the opposite tire on asphalt.
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I don't care for the peg leg with e/locker set up in the newer trucks. One of the best mods I've ever done is installed Truetrac limited slips in my 2011 and 2014 FX4's.
I would have installed one in my 2017 and 2020 Raptors, but Raptors have 35 spline axles and the Truetrac is setup for 34 spline axles.
Fortunately my Raptors don't do the one wheel peel as often as my FX4's did.

 

Unless it's a Torsen . It's basically always engaged, and never wears out. All mechanical. Brilliant design, although heavy.