Hoping you guys can help me out as I have been looking at FX4's but recently have started questioning if is the right package for me.

I understand the FX4 has an electronic locker versus the limited slip set up. Will this prevent a problem driving in rain type of 2WD operation on daily commuting (majority of use)? i.e. having open rear

Would I be better off with another package that has limited slip? I will have minimal off road use where the lock option will most likely be used. Just want to make sure I don't get into something I will regret as this truck will be the last one I may see for minimum next 10 years. Not sure if I am missing something on how the rear with locker works, dealer sales not much help, but last thing I want is constant one wheel peel.

I am close to purchasing an FX4, 402a, sunroof, navi, 18's and 3.73 gears. Gearing based on moving to SE OH in the years to come and not too much flat land down there versus current IL. Many have commented the ratio would be better for that terrain and a low impact to actual mpg's.

Appreciate anything you can school me on, I am struggling with making the right choices with the rear options

 

This is just my opinion, so take it for what it's worth.

The locker is an awesome option if you offroad a lot or have say, huge snow fall like we do. However you wouldn't use the locker on a rain day as it wouldn't be long before you burn it up because it needs some slip on the ground when you're turning etc. limited slip is a much better daily driver option IMO.

But...

I believe the old school mechanical limited slip has given way to an electronic style that is now controlled by the traction control system. I believe if you got the e-lock, you would essentially have both anyways on the newer (2011 and up) models. That is the way I understand it anyways.

So, if that is the case- get the e-locker. You may never need it, or you may curse NOT getting it for that time when you do.

If my above understanding is incorrect though, the limited slip will be more of a friendly option for your day to day usage.

Somebody with more knowledge of the electronic limited slip may want to chime in to either correct or confirm my understanding of it.

 

Electronic lockers are better and safer. Lock your rear tires only when you're stuck and then unlock it. Limited slips cause a lot of accidents on wet roads by having your rear tires try and swap ends with your front tires.

If your building a rock crawler or like to drag race, welding your spiders to permanently lock the axles is often the drug of choice. Mechanical lockers are also popular but not as rugged.

 

Like Smurf of war said , I perfer the old school limited slip, I think its better for all around use. there is always chance something to go wrong with both, can get hairy if the roads start to get slippery and you have to know how to catch the rear quick with counter steer if it does decide to step out on you, I just like knowing I don`t have computer controlling my rear differential

 

The locker is used in extra traction requirements. Pulling a boat up the ramp, stuck, etc. It is designed to be used in conjunction with 4wd for extra extra grip. In daily driving situations in adverse weather conditions, the traction control steps up. IMHO, the locker is the way to go these days, less wear and tear on the rear end over limited slip. Anyone who had Fords in the 80s will remember the rear end clunk when cornering..

 

Okay, didn't know traction control on normal 2wd was there to help in place of limited slip.
Majority of trucks life while in IL will be on road use. My wife will be trading her awd mdx for this truck and I would hate for it to not perform that I regret getting it to replace her daily mdx.

 

I have the e-lock and love it. Havent had any problems and works great in the rain and on ice. The best part about it (at least for 2013) is you can disengage it with a simple push of a switch if you wish. Mines always been engaged mainly because I forget about it and haven't had any problems as of yet, k rock on wood.

 

The e-locker is the ultimate in low-speed traction, if you're in mud,snow, or trying to pull something on dirt.

The FOMOCO Limited Slip (Trac-loc) is a good rear end, but it does make it a little easier to kick the rear end sideways if you hit a slick spot. And the clutches can last anywhere from 1000 miles to 160,000 miles - nobody knows, but my Ford Guru rebuilds them with the carbon fiber clutches and says they are good for 400hp if he does.

The traction control helps with the open differential, but it doesn't replace a good mechanical rear end.

I'd do the same thing all over again - but a truck with the open differential, and spend $500 on another EATON Truetrac, and spend another $400 to have it installed - perfect traction all the time, and it works well with the factory traction control.

If you're in a straight line and step on it, two black marks - it's not a locker, it just sends equal power to both tires when possible, or the tire with traction. So you can have one tire on ice, one on pavement, step on it, and the tire on the dry digs in and pushes you off.

No clutches to wear out either.

Happy Hunting.

 

When you turn traction control off, your differential will act as a limited slip. It is called one wheel spin control and uses your brakes to spin the other non powered wheel. I tested this out the other day. I also have the e3.73.

 

Good info, thanks for that

So to me, that sounds like the best of all worlds rolled into one.