FX4 Locker-Activation On-The-Fly?

[Pathung]

I'm under the impression that to activate the FX4 rear-diff. locker, the truck has to be stopped and shifted into neutral (same with de-activation); am I wrong? I'm unsure as other 4x4 systems seem capable of doing this on the fly, include an F-150.

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[Fasd1421]

You are thinking of shifting into 4x4 Lo. That requires being in neutral. If you just want to engage the locker you can do it while in gear and moving.

 

[Hirnlego]

Good Question! Is this the same for 2WD equipped with the locker?
I was under the impression to engage it the vehicle needs to be stopped, however, at one time I think I saw that it can be activated while driving but it may indicate that you need to slow to a low speed in order for it to engage the locking of the diff.

 

[Whiskeybilt]

It'll engage when you back out of the throttle but in drive and moving.

 

[Pathung]

Great! Good to know; I'll try it next time.

Following this up... can I engage it in 2WD?

 

[AzScorpion]

Let it fly while on the fly. ?

 

[r1ch999999]

Great! Good to know; I'll try it next time.

Following this up... can I engage it in 2WD?

I have, so unless it lied about working it does.

 

[Pathung]

Damn, I should read my manual more carefully!

 

[Big Blue]

Great! Good to know; I'll try it next time.

Following this up... can I engage it in 2WD?

Done mine both ways lock/unlock 2WD/4HI just need to be below a certain speed. Stopped under no load probably best/safest, no problem being in drive though.

 

[HenryMac]

I'm under the impression that to activate the FX4 rear-diff. locker, the truck has to be stopped and shifted into neutral (same with de-activation); am I wrong? I'm unsure as other 4x4 systems seem capable of doing this on the fly, include an F-150.

Free advice is worth the price of admission. Always refer to your owners manual.

 

[JimJa]

2WD/4WD it makes no difference. If I try to engage above 20MPH it gives me a warning I must be below 20 to engage.

 

[HenryMac]

2WD/4WD it makes no difference. If I try to engage above 20MPH it gives me a warning I must be below 20 to engage.

Are you operating the system on hard dry surfaces?

 

[JimJa]

I'm going to assume this locker system is a sub-contract from Eaton's system, or is somewhat similar. What is important is your locker is NOT engaged when one rear wheel is spinning. Understanding how it works sheds light on the "why" of that statement. Full disclosure, I'm not sure exactly how Ford's system engages, but likely it's similar to Eaton's system.

Picture a circular ring with imbedded ramps cast within. Each of these ramps contain a ball bearing. On one side of this circular ring is a circular electro magnet. When this magnet is energized the ball bearings climb up their respective ramps. This forces the ramp to move away from magnet. Attached on the opposite side of this circular ring are a number of pins. When the magnet is energized and the ball bearings move up their individual ramps, these pins are forced into holes on the opposite axle, locking the two sides together. If one wheel is slipping (spinning) in relation to the opposite wheel, and the electro magnet engaged there is the possibility those pins can be damaged resulting in a very expensive repair.

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