Actually it's both. You are debating whether you blow you nose into a Kleenex or a tissue.

It's also called ABLS, ATRAC, pseudo-limited slip, one wheel spin control, etc. At the end of the day, it is a reactive torque vectoring, or electronic limited slip, not to be confused with an electronically controlled limited slip differential, or the patented overdriven torque vectoring systems.

It limits wheel slip and vectors torque, let's not confuse trademarks with trade names. Otherwise we may confuse our vice grips with locking pliers.

 

I just know that my open diff 3.31 will spin both wheels during a quick burnout

 

The only time you really need the locker is if you're in extremely uneven ground with the potential to get one wheel off the ground. On even but slick ground, the limited slip will take care of you.

 

Alright, so I learned a lot from this post and I figured I would simply ask the question that pertains to me. Ordering one, wasn't gonna get the fx4 package, but, debating on just adding the locking rear. Here is my situation:


Live in Jersey
Fireman who still has to get to work when everyone else is told to stay home because of snow.

We vacation to outer banks and, this year, we decided to rent a home on the 4x4 section. No paved roads, just sand.


From this back and forth within this forum, I think I can get away with sticking with the stock open rear.


Worth the extra money for me or leave out? Go!

 

You don't need a locker in the sand. Standard 4x4 with traction control will be more than you need.

 

ELSD has you covered here as well, mechanical LSD, not so much.

 

I will disagree here with the post below, and say that a locker is GREAT in the sand, but honestly, airing the tires down a few lbs makes a big difference as well. (I've done lot's of off roading in sand, it can be tricky) Lockers make a big difference in sand, because they stop the momentary digging that happens quickly in sand (during the slight delay before the Elsd kicks in) and get's you stopped and stuck.

In snow the locker can be good, but has as many drawbacks in snow as it does advantages.

But for the sand, definitely get it IMO.

Probably, but agree to disagree in the above case if he is still purchasing..

 

I hope you're not suggesting an open differential only powers one wheel when both wheels have traction (whether partial or full).

 

I'll disagree also. While you don't absolutely need a locker it will help a lot when you are near being stuck as the rear axle will go to 1 wheel drive without the locker. You will also need to shut off all the nannies and air the tires down to approximately 20 psi.

 

I'm a huge fan of the traction system in these trucks, that said, in sand or deep mud, a locker is better. Great thing is the traction system functions on the front axle as well, making the latest generation of trucks ultra capable with or without the rear locker.