Rear locker decisions..

[dmarsh2]

Looking for some specific guidance as I circle the drain on a new (to me) pickup.

Planning to get ahold of a 2015-17 f150 with the 5.0 coyote and make it a solid hunting rig. I’ve got the two options available:
1. Buy the off-road package with an e-locker on the rear
2. Buy the base with 4x4 but add an ARB locker on the rear

Cost is an obvious difference between these two options, as I’m expecting the arb install to take $1.5-2.5k based on my research.

Does anyone have recommendation based on performance and reliability for this model/year specifically? Or recommendations regarding the arb or other after market lockers? Would these recommendations change for a high mileage truck? I tend to pinch pennies and squeeze as much life as I can out of things, so life expectancy if each is important.

OR should I skip the diff locker and just get an atv to get into the sketchy areas without beating up my truck?

 

[SFC B]

I have a '20 5.0 Super cab , lb with the E-locker. Have had it since new and with good tires I have never had a problem getting places even remotely reasonable. With the locker on I have very rarely even needed 4 wheel drive on trails to be honest(one of the good things about Ford's system is the ability to put on the locker in 2/4hi/ or 4lo). I have zero complaints

 

[jimh406]

I don't know all of the differences, but the off road package probably also comes with skid plates. Many of the vehicles with packages also come with other features that you might want, but won't cost you much in a used vehicle. It's almost always going to be cheaper to buy a truck with the options you want.

I'd probably go with the off-road package and try to pick up other options like better radio, cruise control, heated seats, etc.

However, depending on desirability, you could get a lot better deal on a 4x4. Also, a particular one might have a lot less miles than the other one or had better maintenance. For used vehicles, stay flexible.

 

[Dakotakid]

I have been searching for a front locker for many years for older gm. I kick myself for not buying the Eaton that is no longer in production. I have hesitated on buying arb airlocker because of the freezing up in cold weather which I hunt in.
Not sure if dodge is still producing the power wagon but it did have dual lockers for on years in the teens.

 

[MThuntr]

My 2017 XL (basically base model with some options) has the e locker option. It cuts out somewhere around 23 to 25 and won't turn on again until 17mph so if that's an issue aftermarket may be what you want

 

[44hunter45]

Looking for some specific guidance as I circle the drain on a new (to me) pickup.

Planning to get ahold of a 2015-17 f150 with the 5.0 coyote and make it a solid hunting rig. I’ve got the two options available:
1. Buy the off-road package with an e-locker on the rear
2. Buy the base with 4x4 but add an ARB locker on the rear

Cost is an obvious difference between these two options, as I’m expecting the arb install to take $1.5-2.5k based on my research.

Does anyone have recommendation based on performance and reliability for this model/year specifically? Or recommendations regarding the arb or other after market lockers? Would these recommendations change for a high mileage truck? I tend to pinch pennies and squeeze as much life as I can out of things, so life expectancy if each is important.

OR should I skip the diff locker and just get an atv to get into the sketchy areas without beating up my truck?

Ran these numbers recently for ARB on Red Green, my 1983 Toyota. I came up with closer to $3k installed. That is for compressor, rear locker, tubing and wiring.
I can install the compressor, but I've played with diffs enough to know I don't want to again.

 

[SFC B]

Forgot a couple of details...mine is an XL white chrome package (I bought from a dealer in Ohio at an amazing price) not FX4 and I put a set RCI skid plates on it.

 

[dmarsh2]

Forgot a couple of details...mine is an XL white chrome package (I bought from a dealer in Ohio at an amazing price) not FX4 and I put a set RCI skid plates on it.

Very brave buying from Ohio, as an Ohioan I tend to shop warmer, salt-free climates. How has the frame held up to rust?

 

[dmarsh2]

Ran these numbers recently for ARB on Red Green, my 1983 Toyota. I came up with closer to $3k installed. That is for compressor, rear locker, tubing and wiring.
I can install the compressor, but I've played with diffs enough to know I don't want to again.

Helpful data, thanks for sharing. Doing the install aftermarket feels like it’s not going to make sense. I also hear winch upgrades take precedent anyway

 

[44hunter45]

Helpful data, thanks for sharing. Doing the install aftermarket feels like it’s not going to make sense. I also hear winch upgrades take precedent anyway

Use the ARB find a dealer tool and talk to your local team before you decide.

 

[44hunter45]

I have the factory Eaton mechanical on my GMC. I guarantee you can still get stuck.

 

[The_Jim]

I have a 16 with the fx4 package and the elocker has worked great for me. The suspension sucked, but the skid plates are nice to have. I'm not much for adding accessories to things, so personally I would just get the fx4 package and be done with it.

I also end up taking an atv to get to my trailhead but I've needed chains and lockers to get to the point where I park to unload my atv - its nice to have both options.

 

[MTLabrador]

If it were me I’d try to find a basic one with the factory locker and add better aftermarket shocks and real skid plates.

 

[dmarsh2]

Use the ARB find a dealer tool and talk to your local team before you decide.

Will definitely be doing that, thanks!

 

[SFC B]

Very brave buying from Ohio, as an Ohioan I tend to shop warmer, salt-free climates. How has the frame held up to rust?

Oh, I bought it new Fairway Ford in Canfield. They are a little dealership but have some kind of deal to sell overstock/over order trucks. They had 2 exactly like mine that had been ordered by someone to be plowed trucks (has that package, nothing to me) and didn't take apparently. They have an entire lot next to the dealership with nothing but a ton of trucks in it. I flew into Cleveland and they picked me up at the airport. They already had my financing from my credit union so my total time at the dealership was only like 30 min. They were great to work with and I saved $10k vs here in CO. Had a nice pleasant drive across I70 to get acquainted with my new truck

 

[buckbull]

I have been searching for a front locker for many years for older gm. I kick myself for not buying the Eaton that is no longer in production. I have hesitated on buying arb airlocker because of the freezing up in cold weather which I hunt in.
Not sure if dodge is still producing the power wagon but it did have dual lockers for on years in the teens.

Power wagon is still being made and still has a front locker. F250 tremor also has a front locking diff. I dont think GM offers one.

Edit: i just read the power wagon will be available with the cummins diesel. Cool for sure but personally wouldnt want the added weight for an off roader.

 

[dmarsh2]

Oh, I bought it new Fairway Ford in Canfield. They are a little dealership but have some kind of deal to sell overstock/over order trucks. They had 2 exactly like mine that had been ordered by someone to be plowed trucks (has that package, nothing to me) and didn't take apparently. They have an entire lot next to the dealership with nothing but a ton of trucks in it. I flew into Cleveland and they picked me up at the airport. They already had my financing from my credit union so my total time at the dealership was only like 30 min. They were great to work with and I saved $10k vs here in CO. Had a nice pleasant drive across I70 to get acquainted with my new truck

I’ve made that drive many times. It made me develop a deep hatred for Kansas. Very cool plan though

 

[dmarsh2]

thanks for all the helpful discussion - I’m leaning towards off-road package with e-locker and upgrade suspension/armor. If I don’t like the e-locker, I’ll at least have that knowledge then.