I never liked limited slip when I had a GMC, now that I have an electronic one with the ford I really like it.

Rarely use it though, usually 4x4 is enough

 

OP is referring to locking diff (locking left and right wheels together). Totally separate from 4wd (locking back and front together). 4A is about the 4wd system, vs the diff and left and right wheels.

As for auto-locking diff, I can't imagine any scenario where I'd want that. I use my locker weekly (Florida swamps, mud, uneven terrain, etc), and the last thing I'd want is the vehicle deciding when and when not to turn it on. If it's on when I don't want it to be, I could fishtail and go sideways, or if I suddenly hit dry pavement, bind everything up. If I wanted to be cautious as I approach something sketchy, do I have to trust that it will kick in? (Maybe you can also turn it on manually in those GM trucks, not sure...) Just sounds totally unnecessary, and potentially worse than doing it manually. And it's not like its hard to pull the little locker dial!

 

AWD and 4WD Auto aren't an auto locking differential. That's referring to the transfer case and is independent of the type of differential in the axle.

OP, no one that I'm aware of uses a traditional locker from the factory. not only does a full time locker cause extra wear and stress on the drivetrain, they also tend to not play well with ABS and traction control software. Even the G80 that GM uses is a essentially a limited slip that can lock up 100% when there is wheel spin. The advantage to the e-locker is that when engaged, both tires are 100% locked together. Ford's traction control uses the brakes to mimic a limited slip differential when the e-locker is disengaged.

 

With GM's G80, the vehicle doesn't really "decide" to turn on the locker. It's 100% mechanical and gets engaged by a wheel spin, much like a limited slip. In fact, it's basically a limited slip that has the ability to lock up 100%. The big difference is you have to have wheel before it will lock.

 

Agreed. I'm just saying the vehicle is determining when the diff should be fully locked, versus the driver.

That is not something I'd want in a truck.

 

Some of the complaints with auto-lockers are the clunk felt through the truck when they engage, and that same hard shock to the drivetrain that causes the clunk can also cause your differential to grenade. In an age where 1/2 ton trucks are largely commuter vehicles, Ford probably wants to keep the ride as smooth as possible so they stay away from auto-lockers.

But don’t really “get” having a locker in a stock truck. If you have a real need for a locker, you’ve probably already modded your truck enough that it’s not a big deal to add one. Otherwise, a limited slip is much more practical for daily driving and even a clutch pack LSD works better than Ford’s electronic limited slip. Unless you’re in situations where you often have one wheel off the ground, you’d be better off with an LSD. Their drawback is they need rebuilt every so often, which is why I’m sure Ford moved away from them.

Personally I think the best option is an Eaton Truetrac. It offers performance somewhere in between a clutch limited slip and a locker. They work 100% of the time so you get the performance on-road (where you spend that VAST majority of the time) and will never again do the one-wheel-peel. And they almost lock up as tight as a locker off-road, in situations where I have had a wheel off the ground a quick application of the brake while under throttle was enough to get both wheels spinning. One of my “to do’s” in this truck is the rip out the e-locker and put a Truetrac in. I did the same to my last truck and it was hands down the best mod I ever did.

 

agree with this.

 

Thanks guy's
Great answers to my question. I like the idea that fords have an E-locker, you can turn it on when you need it.
Thanks again

 

Agree on the Truetrac, seemless perfection on the wet or slick road.