Newbie question on 4wd rear locker

[Svtguy]

I have a tremor on order and was wondering can you engage rear locker on the fly? Can it be used at all speeds or just slower speeds .Cheers

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[Hsjrev]

From the owners manual:

"Rear Differential Lock (If Equipped)
This feature provides additional traction on loose or steep terrain, or should your vehicle become stuck. You can activate and deactivate the rear electronic locking differential feature while moving within the operating speed range by pressing the button on the drive mode control. The feature disengages when the vehicle speed exceeds a set value and it re-engages when the vehicle speed goes below a set value. It also engages based on certain selected drive modes"

Note: This feature is for off-road use only and is not for use on dry pavement. Using the rear electronic locking differential feature on dry pavement can produce excessive noise, and increase tire and vehicle wear. Operating your vehicle in these conditions could subject your vehicle to excessive stress, which may result in damage not covered under your warranty.

 

[colinl]

It isn't a true locker with a sliding pin which is good and bad.

Good in that it's just clutch force binding the axles together which means you can use it on dry road and it won't bind or do any significant harm. It won't do much good, either, as rear wheelspin isn't an issue.

Bad in that since it's not a pin mechanically locking the axles together, the clutch force can be overwhelmed if you have a tire in the air, and you can get some slippage anyway. It will also wear over time. It could wear very quickly, if overused in high traction conditions.

 

[Svtguy]

Thanks for the answers Cheers

 

[Maverickman74]

Mine gets used every day and disengaged on the fly once I reach the top of my hill. I will let y'all know if I ever have any issues.

 

[fossil]

I probably used the rear locker in my 2010 a couple dozen times in a dozen years, they kick out at 30mph anyway. Even on snowy days I'd have to disable it backing into my driveway to avoid drive line binding. Wished it had limited slip many times.
The Dana TC RDU is always active when the PTU is engaged, automatically or manually (Tremor only), in all traction conditions, it shifts torque from side to side to avoid the majority of dry pavement binding and thus clutch slipping. There is seldom a need to hit the rear lock button. The RDU has it's own processor with a 10ms (100 cycles per second) sample rate that controls the clutch packs and and interfaces with the main. These clutch packs, not clutches in the conventional sense are very similar to motorcycle clutches in that they are multi plate wet clutches that minimize wear. Another example of multi plate clutch is Ford's limited slip differentials, that never disengage and seldom if ever need servicing. This RDU has proven itself in the 400hp RS which, correct me if I'm wrong is a dry pavement machine used in high torque/traction conditions.

 

[colinl]

This RDU has proven itself in the 400hp RS which, correct me if I'm wrong is a dry pavement machine used in high torque/traction conditions.

What I meant is the overuse of the lock button, which hopefully is obvious when reading the OP's question and my entire post that answers it.

 

[fossil]

What I meant is the overuse of the lock button, which hopefully is obvious when reading the OP's question and my entire post that answers it.

It's all good, I'm just discussing, sharing an opinion. I was also trying to put some context to what clutch even means in this application and why I think they will prove to be pretty robust.

Does pushing the rear lock button even do anything "on the fly" if the PTU is idle or if over a pre determined speed? Really not enough info on OP's question.

I think my favorite button in adverse conditions will be the PTU lock button but I don't think it will even engage unless the Ford nannies agree.

 

[Bwicka]

Mine gets used every day and disengaged on the fly once I reach the top of my hill. I will let y'all know if I ever have any issues.

My kind of driveway!

 

[Maverickman74]

The hard section is only about 100ft but its 16-18 degrees, gets steeper at 3/4 up, has ruts, and is carved as a switchback.

 

[colinl]

I was also trying to put some context to what clutch even means in this application and thy I think they will prove to be pretty robust.

mostly agree on robust. they should be, but I've seen a few prematurely fail and I think that's just bad assembly, not bad design. it's a nice piece of technology and definitely an asset for Tremor owners.

 

[fossil]

mostly agree on robust. they should be, but I've seen a few prematurely fail and I think that's just bad assembly, not bad design. it's a nice piece of technology and definitely an asset for Tremor owners.

For the past three years, since I ordered a BSBL I've been nagging my stepson about all the issues he's seen at the dealership with the BS and Mav, everything goes across his desk. Since his wife is driving the Badlands I ordered he's onboard lol. One instance with a noisy rear diff that was probably caused by a lack of lube, gear damage. He did say the BSBL was a little beat up underneath.
There is a minimal amount of Ford's special sauce in the case and think this warrants monitoring so I plan a rather early drain and fill, preserve the fluid for inspection. I'll wait for my first water crossing if possible.

 

[NatePabrant]

For the past three years, since I ordered a BSBL I've been nagging my stepson about all the issues he's seen at the dealership with the BS and Mav, everything goes across his desk. Since his wife is driving the Badlands I ordered he's onboard lol. One instance with a noisy rear diff that was probably caused by a lack of lube, gear damage. He did say the BSBL was a little beat up underneath.
There is a minimal amount of Ford's special sauce in the case and think this warrants monitoring so I plan a rather early drain and fill, preserve the fluid for inspection. I'll wait for my first water crossing if possible.

I checked through all 180,000 miles of the routine maintenance and Channing spark plugs was only listed.
I’m baffled

 

[fossil]

I checked through all 180,000 miles of the routine maintenance and Channing spark plugs was only listed.
I’m baffled

Ford says lubed for life, I disagree. Since it takes such a small amount of oil the early change is mainly to ensure it has a complete fill and to drain any manufacturing debris.
Since you're considering towing, think about it.

 

[NatePabrant]

Ford says lubed for life, I disagree. Since it takes such a small amount of oil the early change is mainly to ensure it has a complete fill and to drain any manufacturing debris.
Since you're considering towing, think about it.

I wasn’t the one talking about towing, but I appreciate it. Can you specify just to be completely clear, what part you believe needs to be flushed and refill?

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