Need Rear Locker if not off-roading?

[Pony Collector]

Just wondering if I need the rear locker, won't be doing any off-road driving. Debating this option for NY winter driving. Bronco will be winter daily driver , summer split with Mustang. Ordered very late (June), started out with bb and changed order to ob because I wanted either high or lux package.

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[MrOzMan]

No you won’t need a rear locker. Having 4 Auto would be nice. I would still get the rear locker for drifting and donuts in the snow though

Just wondering if I need the rear locker, won't be doing any off-road driving. Debating this option for NY winter driving. Bronco will be winter daily driver , summer split with Mustang. Ordered very late (June), started out with bb and changed order to ob because I wanted either high or lux package.

 

[okbob]

It's 10x cheaper to have one put in when ordering, vs deciding later you want one lol.

 

[noliveaxle]

Just wondering if I need the rear locker, won't be doing any off-road driving. Debating this option for NY winter driving. Bronco will be winter daily driver , summer split with Mustang. Ordered very late (June), started out with bb and changed order to ob because I wanted either high or lux package.

I have one in my work truck 4X4. Never thought I would need it and I have used it at least 6 times to help me out from bad articulating hills and pulling out a buddies truck and fifth wheel in sand. Just buy it. If you don’t use it. I would bet you would get more for your bronco when you sell it.

 

[Felix808]

Being as the diffs are open I would get the factory locker or plan on installing a limited slip in the rear to have some sort of traction device.

 

[BroncoAZ]

No you won’t need a rear locker. Having 4 Auto would be nice. I would still get the rear locker for drifting and donuts in the snow though

It's 10x cheaper to have one put in when ordering, vs deciding later you want one lol.

Both of these posts are spot on. The 4A transfer case will be very welcome in the snow. The locker, while not needed much, is a good addition and very cheap to add to a build.

 

[MtnRanger]

Ford should've atleast provided LSD option for models without lockers. On base base, you can't even option a rear locker.

 

[Headsong]

The only time you'll need it is when you slide into a ditch. Sadly , at that point, it probably won't help anyway.

 

[John Bronco]

Something to consider is with open diffs, a 4wd doesn’t actually put power to all 4 corners (1 front 1 rear). At least with a locker, you’d have 3 wheel drive. Without a locker, the tire(s) with power is usually the one that doesn’t need it.

 

[ZackDanger]

Ford should've atleast provided LSD option for models without lockers. On base base, you can't even option a rear locker.

LSDs aren’t as important as the once were now that vehicles can independently brake specific wheels depending on which have slip or traction.

 

[ilbastarge]

Something to consider is with open diffs, a 4wd doesn’t actually put power to all 4 corners (1 front 1 rear). At least with a locker, you’d have 3 wheel drive. Without a locker, the tire(s) with power is usually the one that doesn’t need it.

With the advancement of drivetrain controls I would counter that "light duty" use would be verrry close to a locker.

 

[bluesun68]

I've rarely used mine in the Raptor. Most often on a boat ramp. But honestly in those situations you can just brake and it will get both wheels moving.

 

[MaverickMan]

If you are putting street tires on it then it wont make a big difference anyway if you get stuck. If you are getting ATs then might as well.

 

[Slick Rick]

Just wondering if I need the rear locker, won't be doing any off-road driving. Debating this option for NY winter driving. Bronco will be winter daily driver , summer split with Mustang. Ordered very late (June), started out with bb and changed order to ob because I wanted either high or lux package.

Yes, I would get one, you will regret it if you don't. It turns a regular 4x4 into a beast. I don't think that you need the front locker if you are not going off road. The front locker helps lift the front over rocks and logs etc..

 

[Cheshire]

Just wondering if I need the rear locker, won't be doing any off-road driving. Debating this option for NY winter driving. Bronco will be winter daily driver , summer split with Mustang. Ordered very late (June), started out with bb and changed order to ob because I wanted either high or lux package.

Have you ever been in a driving situation where you got stuck because of no traction? Maybe you're off the side of a highway, it's been raining and it's muddy. If your spinning wheels and not going anywhere, this is where the locker will help you. Engage and both rear wheels turn at the same rate and out you go. Could be something similar on a steep icy driveway in the winter. Instead of slipping and spinning tires, the locker may get you up.

If I were buying a non-Sasquatch Bronco and the rear locker was available, I'd definitely get it, although I would probably go off road with mine. In your situation, it's a toss up. The vehicle will be more desirable with this feature when if and when you sell it. It might come in handy sometime and you'll be really glad you have it. You also may decide that you want to get off pavement in the future and this will give you confidence to go down the trail.

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