FX2 electronic rear locker vs 4x4

[F150stxguy]

So if I go with the fx2 like I’m thinking I want to, exactly how capable is the rear locker for getting me unstuck in mud or a little snow? I’ve literally never had a rear locker before, only AWD or 4wd. I know it’s not the same as limited slip and I will never be using it on snow country going down the road, just for getting “undone” from being stationary . Just want to get a guess. If I have good quality tires for the application.

If I move back north to the snow belt, I’ll be getting quality snow tires anyway, but my driveway is on a huge hill (Texans would call it a mountain 1500 raise in elevation from the valley) and my driveway gets plummeted by the snow plows.

I just would love the less maintenance and likely slight mpg increase.

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[HenryMac]

So if I go with the fx2 like I’m thinking I want to, exactly how capable is the rear locker for getting me unstuck in mud or a little snow? I’ve literally never had a rear locker before, only AWD or 4wd. I know it’s not the same as limited slip and I will never be using it on snow country going down the road, just for getting “undone” from being stationary . Just want to get a guess. If I have good quality tires for the application.

If I move back north to the snow belt, I’ll be getting quality snow tires anyway, but my driveway is on a huge hill (Texans would call it a mountain 1500 raise in elevation from the valley) and my driveway gets plummeted by the snow plows.

I just would love the less maintenance and likely slight mpg increase.

It'll double your chances of not getting stuck... and those pretty good odds!

I've driven, daily, mid size 4x4 truck since 1997 in 4-season climates. In all that time I used the rear locker one time due to a traction issue in the snow.

With the driveway you are discussing... I'd for sure go with a 4x4 or AWD, but maybe not the rear locker unless it came with a package, like the FX4.

 

[FX4Offroad]

It'll double your chances of not getting stuck... and those pretty good odds!

I've driven mid size 4x4 truck since 1997 in 4-season climates. In all that time I used the rear locker one time due to a traction issue in the snow.

With the driveway you are discussing... I'd for sure go with a 4x4 or AWD, but maybe not the rear locker unless it came with a package, like the FX4.

I agree with HenryMac 100%. The first time the rear locker doesn't get you unstuck, you'll regret not getting the 4WD from the get go.

I've been there with an F150 FX2.

4 wheels pulling is always better.

 

[Langwilliams]

I live just west of Cleveland...I have 4x4 an the locking diff. I would have bought a 2x4 to save gas IF I drove a lot of miles. I do roughly a thousand miles a month so it's not bad. Looking at the fuel cost (which is going up an up) an the future maint on the 4x4 parts....If I drove 20-30 thousand miles a year like my brother I would have looked for a 2 wheel drive.

I've put my truck in 4x4 exactly 3 times in 2 winters to get into an out of unplowed parking lots. With weight in the back I might not of had to. With winter specialty tires I might not have had to. With both I don't think I would have had to. If your "snow belt" is like Cleveland it's a choice to consider IMO. if it's the U P of Michigan or Minn I'd go 4x4. If you think you might try off roading def go 4x4.

 

[F150stxguy]

I live just west of Cleveland...I have 4x4 an the locking diff. I would have bought a 2x4 to save gas IF I drove a lot of miles. I do roughly a thousand miles a month so it's not bad. Looking at the fuel cost (which is going up an up) an the future maint on the 4x4 parts....If I drove 20-30 thousand miles a year like my brother I would have looked for a 2 wheel drive.

I've put my truck in 4x4 exactly 3 times in 2 winters to get into an out of unplowed parking lots. With weight in the back I might not of had to. With winter specialty tires I might not have had to. With both I don't think I would have had to. If your "snow belt" is like Cleveland it's a choice to consider IMO. if it's the U P of Michigan or Minn I'd go 4x4. If you think you might try off roading def go 4x4.

Yeah my place gets a nor’easter twice a year, sometimes more, and I get Lake Ontario AND Lake Erie snow. I live close to two upstate NY cities that has been ranked in the top 3 for accumulation the last few years. Our plows are good, but I live out in the boonies on a dirt road at the very top of a hill.

Im thinking I can manage with the two wheel drive, locker and a set of blizzakks. I had a little Ford Focus with the Bridgestone blizzaks and you’d be surprised at the shit I plowed through.

My front diff needs to be rebuilt on my F150 and I want to sell before. I drive a lot too.

I know Cleveland gets some major snow too, so thanks for the advice.

 

[Markbe35]

So if I go with the fx2 like I’m thinking I want to, exactly how capable is the rear locker for getting me unstuck in mud or a little snow? I’ve literally never had a rear locker before, only AWD or 4wd. I know it’s not the same as limited slip and I will never be using it on snow country going down the road, just for getting “undone” from being stationary . Just want to get a guess. If I have good quality tires for the application.

If I move back north to the snow belt, I’ll be getting quality snow tires anyway, but my driveway is on a huge hill (Texans would call it a mountain 1500 raise in elevation from the valley) and my driveway gets plummeted by the snow plows.

I just would love the less maintenance and likely slight mpg increase.

It will help a bit for sure but it isn't the same has 4WD, not even close really. I played with the locking diff in snow versus 4WD this winter and it helped a bit but if it is really slippery both wheels end up spinning instead of one. With 4WD the front will pull you out if the back slips. I also noticed if one side gets traction before the other the wheels would hop a bit.

I came from a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. In 4LO the locking diffs were great. So far in 4HI it's not as appealing.

My experience for what it's worth.

 

[Leftcoast]

I've worked construction my whole life and driven company pickups. One particular project had mud everywhere. I had a 90s something Chevy with a limited slip. I was only stuck once the whole winter. I would just slowly let the limited slip hookup and then go where I wanted to go. It was almost a challenge to see if I could get to a spot on site. It only let me down one time. That Chevy would just walk right through the muck. It was nice to have a Gradall ready to pull me out.

 

[Rp930]

The very first time you can’t make it up the driveway….

4x4. No brainer. Locker with FX4 even better but probably not necessary for your needs.

 

[Strokerduster]

I got caught in this and had no issues (2wd/locker) but would not want to do it more than absolutely necessary.....

 

[Trigganometry]

I live in New England so sounds pretty close weather wise. Drove a 2X for decades in all types of weather. Only got semi stuck once. 8” of snow was a little much ? If I weighted the bed it handled way better. 200 lbs and if snow bump to 350. Now I’m in 4X4 and I don’t need to weight the bed anymore

 

[Langwilliams]

Yeah my place gets a nor’easter twice a year, sometimes more, and I get Lake Ontario AND Lake Erie snow. I live close to two upstate NY cities that has been ranked in the top 3 for accumulation the last few years. Our plows are good, but I live out in the boonies on a dirt road at the very top of a hill.

Im thinking I can manage with the two wheel drive, locker and a set of blizzakks. I had a little Ford Focus with the Bridgestone blizzaks and you’d be surprised at the shit I plowed through.

My front diff needs to be rebuilt on my F150 and I want to sell before. I drive a lot too.

I know Cleveland gets some major snow too, so thanks for the advice.

My daughter lives in a rural area for being around here...county back roads so they're the last to be plowed. She's a nurse an has to get to work so he always has AWD SUV's.

I'm in the process of retiring so I would be fine with 2 wd in the winter....if it's bad I'll just stay home.

 

[MTB-BRUH]

With the whole abs grabbing the tire that spins system a locker really isn’t that great, yes it’s better but minimally. I took my 4x4 non rear locker in about 2 1/2’ of powder last year and I tried to get it stuck but couldn’t. The 4x4 system is amazing

 

[Frenchy]

So if I go with the fx2 like I’m thinking I want to, exactly how capable is the rear locker for getting me unstuck in mud or a little snow? I’ve literally never had a rear locker before, only AWD or 4wd. I know it’s not the same as limited slip and I will never be using it on snow country going down the road, just for getting “undone” from being stationary . Just want to get a guess. If I have good quality tires for the application.

If I move back north to the snow belt, I’ll be getting quality snow tires anyway, but my driveway is on a huge hill (Texans would call it a mountain 1500 raise in elevation from the valley) and my driveway gets plummeted by the snow plows.

I just would love the less maintenance and likely slight mpg increase.

So depending on where you are moving to a 4x4 will still be a good idea. Dont get me wrong here, a locker will still help even with a 4x4. Here in lovely Colorado we have the oh so wonderful traction law in the winter. It is primarily used in the I-70 corridor from Denver all the way out to Utah.

What does this lovely Traction law entail?

*First off it comes down to tires. At minimum you have to have an M+S tire. A snow tire is still preferred but not everyone does such.

*second your tires must not be below 6/32nds in tread depth. If it is you can get a wonderful fine amd tow depending on your luck.

*third, traction devices. If you have a 2wd vehicle and traction law is active you must install traction devices(snow chains and such) on your drive tires. If you have a 4x4 4WD must be engaged, AWD must do thier thing. I'm the event conditions get really bad where you probably shouldnt be on the road anyways 4x4 vehicles and AWD vehicles must put on traction devices.

Sound a bit outrageous to you? Well it shouldn't and it is to help prevent accidents along with people getting stuck. See the below pictures of what was left of my 1992 Pathfinder thay did not have the right tires on.

Does this mean if traction law is in effect in one part of the state you get in trouble in a different area that traction law is not in effect? Absolutely not but it is good information to have.

With thay said I suggest a 4x4 with a locker. As you stated the locker is only for when you need it.

 

[jthompson48]

So depending on where you are moving to a 4x4 will still be a good idea. Dont get me wrong here, a locker will still help even with a 4x4. Here in lovely Colorado we have the oh so wonderful traction law in the winter. It is primarily used in the I-70 corridor from Denver all the way out to Utah.

What does this lovely Traction law entail?

*First off it comes down to tires. At minimum you have to have an M+S tire. A snow tire is still preferred but not everyone does such.

*second your tires must not be below 6/32nds in tread depth. If it is you can get a wonderful fine amd tow depending on your luck.

*third, traction devices. If you have a 2wd vehicle and traction law is active you must install traction devices(snow chains and such) on your drive tires. If you have a 4x4 4WD must be engaged, AWD must do thier thing. I'm the event conditions get really bad where you probably shouldnt be on the road anyways 4x4 vehicles and AWD vehicles must put on traction devices.

Sound a bit outrageous to you? Well it shouldn't and it is to help prevent accidents along with people getting stuck. See the below pictures of what was left of my 1992 Pathfinder thay did not have the right tires on.

Does this mean if traction law is in effect in one part of the state you get in trouble in a different area that traction law is not in effect? Absolutely not but it is good information to have.

With thay said I suggest a 4x4 with a locker. As you stated the locker is only for when you need it.

Not to derail the thread, but fyi, since 2019 the traction law on a large stretch of I70 is seasonal not conditions-based.

https://www.9news.com/mobile/articl...-laws/73-ada6103d-252d-4bc7-ab3b-86f3036704a5

The law, signed by Gov. Polis in May 2019, said vehicles need to either have snow tires or carry some sort of traction device (like chains or tire socks) at all times if they're not four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The rule applies to the stretch of I-70 between Dotsero and Morrison, and it's in effect from Sept.Sep 30, 2020

 

[Frenchy]

Not to derail the thread, but fyi, since 2019 the traction law on a large stretch of I70 is seasonal not conditions-based.

https://www.9news.com/mobile/articl...-laws/73-ada6103d-252d-4bc7-ab3b-86f3036704a5

Hence why I stated in the winter

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