F150 3.73 locking differential

[tony72cutlass's']

I have only ever used the 3.73 locker once to get out of a huge snow drift (2+ feet).
Other than heavy snow I barely engage 4 wheel drive, but when i do it's the cat's meow.

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[DCBoost]

Having the locker off when not needed reduces wear and tear of the components for longer life. Most of the time I do not need the locker engaged and when I do want it then pushing a button on the dash could not be simpler. Check the manual for more information.

GM no longer provides a locking or even a true limited slip differential (nor does Toyota) and instead what they provide is an "anti-spin" differential and what happens is the brake is applied to the faster spinning wheel. Often called traction control with 2WD rear drive cars.

Didn't realize GM did away with the mechanical locking. THX

 

[Badhabit]

FWIW, I haven't found a real day to day use for the e-locker I've had in trucks over the last 15 years. I did have AWD on a Dodge and now on 2 out of 3 of my last Ford trucks. Your Platty should come with AWD which is the cats meow. Ya dig?

FWIW, I much prefer AWD...

You do not have AWD in your Ford truck, they do not put AWD in any of their trucks. What you have is 4Auto, which is not the same as AWD.

 

[powerboatr]

You do not have AWD in your Ford truck, they do not put AWD in any of their trucks. What you have is 4Auto, which is not the same as AWD.

well the old torque on demand was pretty clunky at times
the new, on some models is electronically locked or engaged 4wd
is pretty darn close to having full time AWD, if you drive in 4 A its darn near awd
if we run in sport mode it engages front diff and allows lock or unlock as needed
but can put pwr to all four wheels as needed
in normal 4wd Auto it is engaged and the computer decides how much power is sent to the front wheels via transfer case. its very smooth

i drove my 16 exp in 4 Auto just about all its life,

 

[Snakebitten]

I believe the Elock disengages at 25mph on non-Raptor.
Yes, 4A is not AWD technically, but there's a ton of overlap in practice. I've been spoiled by it since the very first time I used it in rain. Truck exhibits a very different experience and I love how the steering wheel becomes weighted and provides additional feedback.

I don't live where you neeeeeed 4WD, but I won't ever go without 4A. I love it.

 

[‘22Powerboost]

I believe the Elock disengages at 25mph on non-Raptor.
Yes, 4A is not AWD technically, but there's a ton of overlap in practice. I've been spoiled by it since the very first time I used it in rain. Truck exhibits a very different experience and I love how the steering wheel becomes weighted and provides additional feedback.

I don't live where you neeeeeed 4WD, but I won't ever go without 4A. I love it.

So do you drive your truck in 4A all the time? Or just in the rain/wet roads?

 

[Snakebitten]

Recently I use 4A less because of a drought, but I live in a tropical/coastal area and wet driving conditions are normally common.
But yes, I probably have about 50% of my mileage in the past 5 years in 4A.

It's also something I will enable if I'm feeling a little hooligan-is, if you know what I mean?

 

[IconicXLTsport]

It may have been a Chevy manual I am remembering but the systems probably work similarly. I believe the 4A keeps the hubs locked and just engages the Tcase when it detects slip. I remember the manual saying it’s best to not leave the truck in 4A all the time, only in slippery conditions and should select 2wd in dry conditions.

anyone check the language in their manual for 4A use?

 

[BLoflin]

For F-150s with the 4 position switch, meaning a true 4A (automatic) the manual does NOT specify any limitations on using 4A for regular driving, including dry surface.

The only limitation I see is in the trailer towing section:

"Note: Do not use four-wheel drive when towing a trailer or when you heavily load your vehicle for extended periods of time"

It does not differentiate between what type of four-wheel drive (i.e. standard like 4H mode or automatic, like 4A). So not clear if this pertains to 4A mode.

 

[Snakebitten]

No written warning or limitation stated for 4A.
In fact, unlike my 2018, my 2022 automatically enables 4A for the so called Sport Mode.

Think about that for a minute.

 

[Buyer2021]

Recently I use 4A less because of a drought, but I live in a tropical/coastal area and wet driving conditions are normally common.
But yes, I probably have about 50% of my mileage in the past 5 years in 4A.

I'm soooo looking forward to badly needed rain in central Texas, both for my pasture and for an excuse to finally feel the joy of 4H (you know the roads are gonna be slicker than heck when we finally get that rain!).

.

 

[notabot]

No written warning or limitation stated for 4A.
In fact, unlike my 2018, my 2022 automatically enables 4A for the so called Sport Mode.

Think about that for a minute.

Same with my 21. My biggest pet peeve about high HP RWD or FWD vehicles is getting the power to the ground w/o turning it into smoke. The 4A from Ford turns HP into giggles...

 

[Badhabit]

I believe the 4A keeps the hubs locked and just engages the Tcase when it detects slip. I remember the manual saying it’s best to not leave the truck in 4A all the time, only in slippery conditions and should select 2wd in dry conditions.

If your truck has 4A it does not have locking hubs.

 

[powerboatr]

If your truck has 4A it does not have locking hubs.

correct
and i drive in 4A ALOT, i think highway long drives is only place i leave it 2H.
but sport mode is fun and it puts power to wherever its needed
change the dash mode to see power distribution..i was surprised at how much tq its sending up front on take off from stop, even at normal throttle

 

[‘22Powerboost]

I use my truck to tow my snowmobile trailer during the winter…and I have to use 4 wheel drive quite a lot during my trips towing to Northern Maine, due to some serious heavy winter weather along the drive. So I don’t know what the manual is talking about saying don’t use 4 wheel drive while towing?

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