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...
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If at all possible I would drive a truck with a locking differential(s). I had a 1977 F150 full time 4WD truck with both front and rear electric locking differentials. It was a beast off road, but nearly impossible to turn with both differentials locked.
It was even tough to make a turn with only the rear differential locked. With the rear differential locked it seemed like it took 40 acres to turn the thing around. With both the front and rear locked it seemed more like 80 acres to make a full circle.
It was almost impossible to stop when plowing snow. It could push the snow into a pile then climb the pile. I loved the truck, but it was somewhat impractical. The best mileage it ever got was 11 mpg. When working and off road it was closer to 8 mpg. In bad weather it was in it's glory. It could pass everything on the road except a gas station.
It was even tough to make a turn with only the rear differential locked. With the rear differential locked it seemed like it took 40 acres to turn the thing around. With both the front and rear locked it seemed more like 80 acres to make a full circle.
It was almost impossible to stop when plowing snow. It could push the snow into a pile then climb the pile. I loved the truck, but it was somewhat impractical. The best mileage it ever got was 11 mpg. When working and off road it was closer to 8 mpg. In bad weather it was in it's glory. It could pass everything on the road except a gas station.
