I do a lot of extreme offroading (hence my username) - not in my F150, but in my built early Bronco - and I can tell you a LS if worthless if you are ever in a position with one wheel in the air. It is not hard to lift a wheel in these trucks as they do not have a lot of suspension travel. Also, as manic5 states, they are less effective with one wheel on a low traction surface and the other one on a high traction surface. You can play games with applying the brake to "fool" the LS, but there are situations where a LS is not much better than an open diff.

Having said that, most folks don't do a lot of extreme offroading with an F150, so a LS is probably a good compromise. I do have an FX4 and I have yet to engage the e-locker myself. I do wish there was a way to engage it while in 2wd...

 

Right on the money. I had L/S in my 02 screw. Never needed anything more. My 66 Bronco is another story. I now own a 10 fx4 screw and beleive it has L/S with an elocker (if I remember correctly it is the Auburn locker). In my opinion, I probably will not need the elocker because it has L/S, but nice to have if I need it.

On another note, there has to be a way to engage the locker in 2wd. Its electric, either a toogle or modifying the switch. I may take on this challenge, buy a new switch and see if I can hack into it.

 

I was under the impression that all FX4's came with an electronic locking differential, and that they were open diffs when they're not locked. How does yours have a L/S & locking diff?

 

I have to say I do believe that the chevy system is superior in their z71s with the eaton locker.... anytime there is i believe a 25% difference it automatically mechanically locks the two tires. That is just the best of both worlds imo. Unless someone else here can give me a different reason? not trying to diss Ford... I do own a fx4 because as a whole I believe it is better

 

1. It uses clutches they wear out and fail
2. It automatically unlocks at 25 mph in hi or low also as soon as both wheels are moving the same again it unlocks........... then when it sense a loss in traction it locks up so you see it locks then unlocks then locks then well locks............ each time straining the clutches.
3. it will only hold a certain amount of TQ before the clutches fail to lock the differential anymore.
4. The Ford lockers are Mechanical gear NOT a clutch that engages, thus requireing NO special oils or anything. Since no clutches way stronger.


Comprimise the G80 as its called is a great axle and I have some xp with them they work great are almost bulletproof but they have the drawbacks.

Pro.
1. G80 automatic no imput
2. 2wd operation HUGE PLUS
3. Been used for a while and have plenty of field testing.
4. Performs like a L/S on steroids great of 90% of the drivers out there.

So wrapping it up, it is better in some catagories and less in some but its all about the individual driver to decide which is best for him/her.

 

it dosent have a L/S, no such thing on the FX4

 

Hrm, well I dont do much offroading, and if i do its only through mud on flat ground and LSD has never got me stuck, open diff always has. Also I much prefer lsd on snowy and icy conditions to a open diff, but then again i havent experienced the open diff with the traction control, so if it acts like a lsd it may be ok. However I still think that if it was lockable in 2wheel drive it would be infinitely more useful, but in the end it all depends on where the OP plans on driving it as to which one would better suit his needs. I would love to see that video of the wheel on dry and the other on rollers that you talk about. Remember what its called or still have the link handy?

 

Its a ford sponsored video.......... so you know or you can look on youtube and search eaton locker vs L/S or something like that and it will show on not just fords but dodge's and chevies how cool a locker is. To everything else I agree 100% with what you said.

 

cool, ill check it out, thanks.

 

I thought I had read somewhere that it was, but know I can't find it. Is anyone positive on which elocker comes in the fx4?