Hey guys.. I'm sure this has been discussed extensively and I have read a bit, but just kind of want more of a direct answer.

I'm looking to purchase a 5.0 with 3.31 gears and the "Non-limited slip" tomorrow. This will be my first ever truck and am just wondering about driving it in snow. Sounds like torque gets applied to the other wheel via brakes being applied to the powered wheel if needed. It's pretty much optioned how I would want and the price is right. Only thing I'm not sure of is the open diff. I'm coming out of a Mustang and I'm used to driving FWD and AWD vehicles in the winter time, however, I have tried the Mustang for giggles and thought it was fine for a sporty car with LSD.

The only option I have seen that can be added is the E-locker and it sounds like that needs to be manually engaged by the control **** on the dash.

It only snows a few times a year here and I'm guessing I can just throw it in 4hi and be fine that, but those are just my assumptions. Thanks in advance.

 

It's not a big deal. You might get stuck more easily but if you are careful to not get stuck you will be fine. If you do get stuck you can shovel yourself out.

 

I think it depends on where you are located. I'm in Pa with hills and snow possible 4-5 months a year. My first 4WD F150 had an open rear. It worked fine until I got sucked into a snow bank going downhill. 4WD at that point was like no wheel drive- had to get towed out. I personally will never buy another truck with an open rear.

 

They do have another one on the lot that's basically 800 bucks more.. It's white instead of blue (I like both colors, but blue really pops) and it has the FX4 package so it has the 3.31 Electronic Lock RR.

 

I have the e-locker on my fx4 and I never used it last winter except to play a little. For normal driving on slippery roads, you're better off using the traction control because it will send the power where it needs to and it won't let the backend slide around on you. With the rear end locked and traction control off, the backend can slide sideways real quick. Also, the locker automatically unlocks above 25 miles an hour.

 

budgreen.......Said you should be able to just shovel yourself out......LMAO

 

This was a dilemma for me in researching. I initially was focusing on the Lariat because it has the 4WD Auto function, which I think is best in snow. But since you can't get that on the XLTs, I insisted on an E-Locker, just to have that option to get a bit more traction without the need to use full-on 4Hi.

 

You'll be fine with the open diff. Honestly, I would rather have a good quality limited slip differential than the Locker that is in my truck. I will never have my truck off road with one wheel in the air wishing I had a locker lol. I had a Torsen diff in my Mustang and loved it, no clutches to wear out and they will allow the inside wheel to turn slower than the outside wheel while turning and still apply equal torque to both wheels. The only time I use my locker is when I'm backing my truck up the hill to my garage. The hill is on a bit of a turn and I tear the gravel up every time lol

 

I live in mn. We get snow and ice. You will be fine with regular diff.

Locker only works less than 20 mph anyway

 

I had an open diff in 4wd and hated it in snow. Even on a boat ramp, etc - get the locker...