F150 Locking Differential vs 4X4
We are considering changing our toad to a F150, the new aluminum based model with the eco boost. (Minimal light towing maybe once a year, with a lighter hauling trailer.) I was talking this over wi...
Forum Discussion
More commonly than not, probability of a truck being towable:
1. Manual Transmission 2WD or Manually Shifted 4*4 Transfer Case with Neutral
2. 4*4 with Electronic Transfer Case that can be shifted to Neutral
3. (probably not) 2WD automatics
4. (definitely not) AWD trucks (vs 4*4)
This is an Owner's Manual exercise. The differential in the 2WD won't help a non-towable transmission whether Open, LS, or Locker. And, 4*4 won't help if you can't get the TC into Neutral.
I would not give 2WD locker 90+% of 4WD capablilty. Because 2WD pickups, especially those with four-door cabs, are very front-heavy. Hard for the lightly loaded rear axle to push a non-powered front axle through sand or mud. To pull a boat up a paved ramp, maybe.
Read the Manual. Don't take salesperson's word!
1. Manual Transmission 2WD or Manually Shifted 4*4 Transfer Case with Neutral
2. 4*4 with Electronic Transfer Case that can be shifted to Neutral
3. (probably not) 2WD automatics
4. (definitely not) AWD trucks (vs 4*4)
This is an Owner's Manual exercise. The differential in the 2WD won't help a non-towable transmission whether Open, LS, or Locker. And, 4*4 won't help if you can't get the TC into Neutral.
I would not give 2WD locker 90+% of 4WD capablilty. Because 2WD pickups, especially those with four-door cabs, are very front-heavy. Hard for the lightly loaded rear axle to push a non-powered front axle through sand or mud. To pull a boat up a paved ramp, maybe.
Read the Manual. Don't take salesperson's word!
