In two years all I've used my locker for is to make sure I ruin my tires at an even pace in sport mode lol.

 

The Ford elocker is great by the fact that it works on demand. The 'auto' G80 locker on GMs is bad engineering and wrong application since it does not let the driver engage it when wheels are at rest.

 

Btw I have a 15 XLT 2WD with elocker and I love it. It has got me out of trouble on loose sand and I plan to use it plenty on boat ramps - boat coming soon

 

I just ordered a new Platinum 2WD with the 3.55 E-locker. I would rarely use 4WD, so the locker will work just fine.

 

It is an electric locking differential. So 50% of the torque goes to both wheels all the time no matter if there is traction or not-- even if 1 is in the air. What is being talked about is essentially an electronic traction control-- which means there is no mechanical aid it controls traction using the brakes and engine power. There is also a limited slip which is a mechanical traction aid that is in the differential that mechanically aids traction with the use of clutches or gears in the differential-- which the F-150 does not offer. So your choices are electric locking or no mechanical traction aid for the differential

 

The G80 is technically a limited slip, rather than a true locker. It is one of the better factory limited slip offerings.

 

When I ordered my '15 I got 4x4 and locker. Have only used the locker once during heavy snow/ice here last year.... getting smoothly up my inclined paver driveway without sideways sliding..... but was glad I had it.

I look at it like owning a handgun for home defense but also having a shotgun for heavier duty work.... you never have enough weapons in your arsenal whether you use them all or not...... AZPLAT

 

There are plenty of aftermarket options if you find yourself needed a locker. Combine with a re-gear while you are in there

 

As long as you have 4WD, you most likely won't need it unless you hunt in open fields, or go long hauls in muddy areas for fishing, camping, hunting, use ATVs or the such. Or long hauls in icy or snow covered areas. Or even long hauls in wet grasses.

Our trucks have Active brake Limited slip, or electronic limited slip. The sensor detects when a wheel is slipping, applies brakes to only that one wheel, and torque is transferred to the opposite wheel. This will be used heavily back and forth so the longer it's used, the brakes will heat up. When they get to a certain point, the computer will disable the Active Brake Limited Slip system to allow the brakes to cool. If you get into that position, a locking axle will be the way to go so that you don't lower your brake life and actually have traction when you need it most.

I have used my Locking axle in the snow. Sometimes I needed it for extra traction that the Active Brake Limited Slip can't provide. A Locking Axle will always provide better traction than Limited Slip, whether it's brake assisted or mechanical in the differential. With the Active Brake Limited Slip, while driving, the rear gets a bit squirrelly as it hunts for traction. With the Locking Axle engaged, the rear end stays in line and more controlled in the snow.

I've only had a locking axle on my 2012 F150 and my 2016. I've only used a few times each year in the snow. I've never needed it for mud or such. The active brake limited slip did good in muddy areas.

None of my previous 4WD drive trucks had a locking axle. They had either Active brake limited slip or a limited slip differential. My trucks with active brake limited slip did better than only a limited slip differential. They responded better plus the active brake limited slip applies to the front axle as well. On my other trucks, they only have limited slip on the rear axle, with their limited slip differentials.

On my 2012 and 2016 5.0L F150s, I bought the locking axle because the 3.73 axle needed for towing, only came in a locking axle.

Should mention, if you rock crawl, you need a locking axle for the time one wheel is the air and the other is slipping.

 

Yep, and seems to have all the negatives of each. I would rather have what we have on our trucks, either active brake limited slip or a locking axle w/active brake limited slip.

I've read that GM axle can be slow to engage, and disengage, causing tire skipping and grinding when taking corners when it's still engaged. I'll pass.