2020 XLT w 5.0L and 3.73 gears with E-lock diff.

Question: Would it cause any harm or excessive wear to leave the E-lock diff constantly engaged?

I know that you pull the ring out on dash to engage and at about 20 - 25 MPH it automatically disengages.
So would there be any harm just engaging and leaving the E-lock engaged?

Guessing it might wear rear tires a tiny bit more?

Thanks, Paul

 

It's hard on your entire drive line. Everything from your engine to your tires ends up feeling that chattering from your wheels. I highly suggest not leaving it engaged on dry pavement. Your break something eventually. At very best you'll wear your drivetrain faster than normal.

do you actually want to drive with UT locked all the time for some reason?

 

No, I have no need to drive with UT locked. And I drive 95% time on asphalt.

Retired and don't need to drive in deep snow or pouring rain.

Just remember my old F150 with locking front and rear diff. that could go anywhere and never get stuck.

 

More than that. You should look up how differentials work, and why they exist.

 

I have a 2wd 3.73 and use the locker a lot. Straight line no problem but dis-engage before turns. Most use is for slippery conditions, in WI that is often. A point to mention the electrics will shut down but the locking mechanism will stay engaged till torque is released on the drive line at which point the locking mechanism can retract to fully release. Low speed turns locked will cause one sides tire to skip and that can cause drive line problems. The shudder will wake you up to turn it off. KM

 

Every time you steer other than straight on a dry surface with the rear diff. locked you are damaging something.

 

Well, this might be just a bit of overstatement. It is true that leaving the diff locked when driving on high-traction surfaces will put an unnecessarily high stress on your axles, ring & pinion gears, and tires.

Continue doing it long enough, your statement about damaging something will be correct.

 

Everytime it rains youll be fish tailing and sliding around, youll be a danger to others around you especially in the winter, your truck will buck and hop everytime you turn the wheel chewing up your tires, until your diff lock finally breaks causing a very expensive repair after maybe a week!
Pretty dumb thing to ask

 

Engage it and then make a turn…you’ll hear why it’s not a good idea

*Note: The electronic locking differential isfor off-road use only and is not for use on

dry pavement. Using the electronic locking

differential on dry pavement will result in

increased tire wear, noise and vibration.*

 

Lots of talk here that sound as if there is a lack of experience with traction devices. Open, limited slip, lockers, and spools. I have used all but a spool. LS is quite painless, lockers, old automotive type engaged and you could feel it but seldom predict the engagement. I like the select-able locker and will continue its use on the street. A 4000 pound truck, with 400 HP and more torque, that kicks in fast at low RPM and 2wd, often needs the extra traction even in rain on pavement. Just like turn signals you LEARN when/how to use it. User error if something fixable. Uncle Pauly I'm sure will discover the disadvantages quickly and when to twist the ****. Forgetting to turn it off will not hurt till the locker engages again in a low speed turn, the skipping of a back tire will be a quick reminder to turn it off. KM