Manual Locking Differential on my F150

[LoneRanger]

So the rear diff is a manual electronic locker. The knob that selects 2H, 4H, or 4L if you pull it, a solenoid or whatever locks the rear diff and you effectively have a spool rear end at that point. I guess with traction control this makes sense, run open diff with traction control by default for on road. Things get hairy, there's 4H. Things get more hairy, pull the knob to lock the diff. Much more interesting than my Forester. This truck is not automatic 4wd, so 4H and 4L only for slick winter or off road.

Reminds me of something my dad used to say. "Four wheel drive just gets you stuck deeper in the woods."

 

[ad244]

Are you asking a question or just rattling off whatever is on your mind?

 

[02SE]

I don't know what terrain you have near you, but if you have snow and ice, be very careful of locking the rear axle in an off-camber and slick situation. The locked axle will want to head to the low side of the road.

Maybe that's not a big deal in a subdivision, but I learned that lesson on a steep mountainside, covered in ice, and a several hundred foot drop down a cliff, waiting for me on the low side of the road.

I still vividly recall the pucker factor 25 years later.

 

[Snagglefoot]

Originally Posted by LoneRanger

Reminds me of something my dad used to say. "Four wheel drive just gets you stuck deeper in the woods."


I've always tried to go into the woods in two wheel drive, and come out in four wheel drive.

 

[LoneRanger]

Originally Posted by Snagglefoot



I've always tried to go into the woods in two wheel drive, and come out in four wheel drive.


That's a great idea !!

 

[Wheel]

If you look thru the software that runs the Forester's AWD you might find that pretty interesting. It is a pretty complex system itself.

 

[AZjeff]

Originally Posted by Snagglefoot

I've always tried to go into the woods in two wheel drive, and come out in four wheel drive.



Exactly right. When you can't go any further in 2wd put it in 4wd and go back. That rear locker he's talking about will serve him well in 2wd if it can be engaged.

 

[dustyroads]

I have the same E-locker in my '13 and it's meant to help in low speed situations only. I'm pretty sure the locker automatically unlocks as you go above 30 mph. Just random info.

It can be used in two wheel drive as well.

 

[hatt]

Originally Posted by dustyroads
I have the same E-locker in my '13 and it's meant to help in low speed situations only. I'm pretty sure the locker automatically unlocks as you go above 30 mph. Just random info.

It can be used in two wheel drive as well.

I have the same truck. At 25 mph it disengages. Unless you're in 4L and then it's 62. I didn't know the truck would even go 62 in low.

Quote
Electronic Locking Differential (ELD) (If Equipped)
Note: The ELD is designed for off-road use only and is not intended for
use on dry pavement. Using the ELD on dry pavement will result in
increased tire wear, noise and vibration.
The electronic locking differential (ELD) is a device housed in the rear
axle which allows both rear wheels to turn at the same speed. The ELD
can provide additional traction should the vehicle become stuck. The
ELD is electronically activated by the driver and can be shifted on the fly
within the ELD operating speed range. It is intended for use in mud,
rocks, sand, or any off-road condition where maximum traction is
needed. It is not intended for use on dry pavement.
The ELD is affected by the following conditions:
• The ELD will not engage if the vehicle speed is above 20 mph
(32 km/h) in 4x2, 4x4 Auto, or 4x4 High modes.
• The ELD will not engage if the vehicle speed is above or 56 mph
(90 km/h) in 4X4 Low.
• The ELD will not engage if the accelerator pedal is pressed beyond
50% during an engagement attempt
• In 4x2, 4x4 Auto, and 4x4 High modes, the ELD will automatically
disengage at speeds above 25 mph (41 km/h) and will automatically
reengage at speeds below 20 mph (32 km/h).
• In 4L (4X4 low), the ELD will automatically disengage at speeds above
62 mph (100 km/h) and will automatically reengage at speeds below
56 mph (90 km/h).
• The AdvanceTrac system has the ability to take over control of the
ELD and disable it during driving maneuvers when necessary.
If the required conditions for ELD activation are not met when the
switch is actuated, the instrument cluster will display the appropriate
information guiding the driver through the proper ELD activation
process.

 

[dustyroads]

Thanks hatt! That's great info about the E-locker and the electronic controls managing it. Very cool info that I didn't know.

 

[BISCUT]

Used it in my 15 F150 once. It seemed to help. Low speed; in 4L and dealing with a snow drift I was stuck in.

But I dont get the OP's post...Just thinking about random BS? I have a different Suby (17 OB) so I can relate. The Suby is awesome bu far from the F150 in the snow. I don't see mud or sand often at all to know.

 

[Silverado12]

My GM truck uses a mechanical locker and works very well at the boat ramp, etc when the extra traction comes into play. It locks itself w/o driver input after the spinning wheel turns 1 revolution. The e-locker is interesting, though as you can manually control it.

 

[LoneRanger]

Originally Posted by dustyroads
Thanks hatt! That's great info about the E-locker and the electronic controls managing it. Very cool info that I didn't know.

+1

 

[hatt]

Originally Posted by Silverado12
My GM truck uses a mechanical locker and works very well at the boat ramp, etc when the extra traction comes into play. It locks itself w/o driver input after the spinning wheel turns 1 revolution. The e-locker is interesting, though as you can manually control it.

The e-locker(and air locker too) is sweet. Open diff for normal driving, 100% locked when you need it.

 

[meep]

2wd with an e-locker is a decent alternative to a full 4wd. Disengagement above 25 (I thought it was 18 in mine) makes sense, if you can go 25, you don't need it.

 

[LoneRanger]

But I dont get the OP's post...Just thinking about random BS?

Think of my continuing posts about the F150 as pieces of a larger/longer review broken into bite size morsels.

 

[mk378]

Most people who review a product they own have at least read the owner's manual so they know a little of what they're talking about.

 

[LoneRanger]

Originally Posted by mk378
Most people who review a product they own have at least read the owner's manual so they know a little of what they're talking about.



I use the PDF version of the manual to selectively find what I need. For instance, I don't need to read how to fill the windshield washer reservoir or many other spoon fed instructions contained within. With the PDF manual I can find what I want to know about, like the maintenance schedule.

Thanks though for the useless snide remark, says a lot about your character.

 

[BrianF]

I am not a fan of the F150, too many things to list. I currently run a 2016 with the 5.0. What I do like and use very often is the diff lock. Love having that control when off roading. I will give credit where credit is due. One on the board for Ford.