Anti-Spin Diff vs. E-Locker

[ewag]

My truck was purchased w/ a 3.92 rear end and E-Locker Rear Axle, and below my shift knob I have an "Axle Lock" ..... I looked for clarification on 5GR forums on what this means, and haven't seen anything that clears it up for. Here’s how RAM website explains the two. Not very helpful for a guy like me with limited brain-power (I learn best from big cartoon pictures and primary colors)

Here’s what the RAM site says:

• Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle - The rear differential can be locked with an electronic actuator so both rear wheels receive equal torque all the time for enhanced traction.
• E-Locker Rear Axle - The E-Locker rear axle electronically locks the rear differential for better performance in slippery conditions.

So I my Axle Lock button electronically locks the rear differential, but what the heck is the difference between that and the anti-spin option, and which one is “better”. I’ve got what I’ve got so there’s no changing it, but still curious. I know that “better” is a very relative term too depending on situation. I live in FL …. Wet roads and sand is about all my pavement princess is going to see.

 

[firecadet613]

My truck was purchased w/ a 3.92 rear end and E-Locker Rear Axle, and below my shift knob I have an "Axle Lock" ..... I looked for clarification on 5GR forums on what this means, and haven't seen anything that clears it up for. Here’s how RAM website explains the two. Not very helpful for a guy like me with limited brain-power (I learn best from big cartoon pictures and primary colors)

Here’s what the RAM site says:

• Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle - The rear differential can be locked with an electronic actuator so both rear wheels receive equal torque all the time for enhanced traction.
• E-Locker Rear Axle - The E-Locker rear axle electronically locks the rear differential for better performance in slippery conditions.

So I my Axle Lock button electronically locks the rear differential, but what the heck is the difference between that and the anti-spin option, and which one is “better”. I’ve got what I’ve got so there’s no changing it, but still curious. I know that “better” is a very relative term too depending on situation. I live in FL …. Wet roads and sand is about all my pavement princess is going to see.

With your rear end, it'll only lock up when you engage it by pushing the button. And it should be done before wheel slip, not during.

 

[ewag]

With your rear end, it'll only lock up when you engage it by pushing the button. And it should be done before wheel slip, not during.

Thanks firecadet613. So what is my rear end before I hit the button ..... Limited Slip Differential?

 

[SpeedyV]

Thanks firecadet613. So what is my rear end before I hit the button ..... Limited Slip Differential?

It's an open differential.

 

[firecadet613]

Thanks firecadet613. So what is my rear end before I hit the button ..... Limited Slip Differential?

Open.

 

[Mopar21222]

I've owned 4 Ram/Dodges since '03, all with 3.92s and limited slip. To me, it is not a magic component by any means, like it senses slip and boom instantly locks-up and away you go. It is helpful, but in pretty much any sticky traction situation I end up using 4WD anyways.

I'm anxious to have an E-locker on the next one and the hill descent.

 

[SpeedyV]

I've owned 4 Ram/Dodges since '03, all with 3.92s and limited slip. To me, it is not a magic component by any means, like it senses slip and boom instantly locks-up and away you go. It is helpful, but in pretty much any sticky traction situation I end up using 4WD anyways.

I'm anxious to have an E-locker on the next one and the hill descent.

A limited-slip differential is great at providing a degree of automatic correction for unanticipated loss of traction. As you point out, they work pretty well, but they don't guarantee traction in all conditions. As has been discussed on this thread, auto 4WD (if equipped) also helps to compensate for loss of traction, albeit in a very different way, and via a far more complex system. Most of the RWD and 4WD vehicles I've had over the years have been equipped with some form of an LSD, and my current vehicle has both an LSD and auto 4WD (and 4WS, which can make a low traction situation much more fun).

An electronic-locking differential enables the driver to prepare the vehicle for anticipated slippage, effectively pre-locking the axle vs. waiting for the LSD to kick in. This can provide a higher degree of control to the driver, especially if in a situation where sudden vehicle movement due to loss of traction would be undesirable. I've not owned a vehicle with an e-locker, but I look forward to testing it in a 'sticky situation' sometime soon.

 

[Believemeustink]

A limited-slip differential is great at providing a degree of automatic correction for unanticipated loss of traction. As you point out, they work pretty well, but they don't guarantee traction in all conditions. As has been discussed on this thread, auto 4WD (if equipped) also helps to compensate for loss of traction, albeit in a very different way, and via a far more complex system. Most of the RWD and 4WD vehicles I've had over the years have been equipped with some form of an LSD, and my current vehicle has both an LSD and auto 4WD (and 4WS, which can make a low traction situation much more fun).

An electronic-locking differential enables the driver to prepare the vehicle for anticipated slippage, effectively pre-locking the axle vs. waiting for the LSD to kick in. This can provide a higher degree of control to the driver, especially if in a situation where sudden vehicle movement due to loss of traction would be undesirable. I've not owned a vehicle with an e-locker, but I look forward to testing it in a 'sticky situation' sometime soon.

One of the best explanations I heard on this subject.

 

[Tarpie]

Unless options have changed, you should be able to get hill descent control and E-Locker rear axle with a 3.21 gear ration. I did.
Window Sticker

 

[devildodge]

Unfortunately hill descent & elocker are not available on 3.21 even with eTorque.

Unless options have changed, you should be able to get hill descent control and E-Locker rear axle with a 3.21 gear ration. I did.
Window Sticker

@Ram Envy

Looks like you can get it for sure now.

I thought so, others have said yes, and there is your proof

 

[devildodge]

Wow, I've had 3 dealers call on this in my presence & got told the E-Locker only available with 3.92 gears and that is what brochure states. Keep in mind standard features are going to show 3.21 but optional ORG doesn't show gears on sticker. MPG may ultimately shed light on this.

Then it may have changed. I do not know this answer as I am not planning to order a 1500, so I am just trying to help your choice.

Would really hate to see you in a Ford when the Ram you wanted could have been.

Good luck, hope someone can clear this up.

 

[1Raider]

Wow, I've had 3 dealers call on this in my presence & got told the E-Locker only available with 3.92 gears and that is what brochure states. Keep in mind standard features are going to show 3.21 but optional ORG doesn't show gears on sticker. MPG may ultimately shed light on this.

So your saying the ORG is a default 3.92 gear? Someone with the ORG go out and jack the truck up and mark the tire an driveshaft and count the revolutions for us..

 

[VaderRebel]

So your saying the ORG is a default 3.92 gear? Someone with the ORG go out and jack the truck up and mark the tire an driveshaft and count the revolutions for us..

Hold on, let me get my pants on....

 

[devildodge]

From the feature guide



I would say that means if you get the off road group you can choose, if you get the elocker on a regular truck you only get 3.92. And the Rebel only gets 3.92

And how do you interpret the antispin and electric locking are mutually exclusive?

 

[1Raider]

On my 5/22 order sheet it doesn't even list the ratio on my ORG Longhorn. Makes me wonder now...

 

[devildodge]

On my 5/22 order sheet it doesn't even list the ratio on my ORG Longhorn. Makes me wonder now...

Did you want the 3.21 gears. If so the reason it doesn't is because the 3.21 is listed under standard. If it was 3.92 it would be listed on the right side of the window sticker.

The 2018 HD I am looking at has 3.73 gears and Offroad package. Hoped to see the 4.10 on the right but it doesnt have them.

The ones that do have 4.10 still have 3.73 listed on the left and then 4.10 on the right.

If this makes any sense...lol

Need someone who selected 3.92 to chime in with a window sticker.

Or did you mean there is no gear listed on the whole window sticker?

 

[1Raider]

Oh ok got it DD... Yea the 3.21's was my choice as this truck will see mostly hwy miles to and from camps and not full time Off Road with big tires etc...
Would like to mount a winch on the front though just in case..

 

[devildodge]

Oh ok got it DD... Yea the 3.21's was my choice as this truck will see mostly hwy miles to and from camps and not full time Off Road with big tires etc...
Would like to mount a winch on the front though just in case..

Just wanted to make sure you wanted the 3.21, I would say they are choosable lol

Just trying to piece together the truth

 

[RT70808]

I have the 3.21, hill descent, elocker, Off Road Group, 5.7 non etorque, April build. Confirmed 3.21 (I was actually under the truck and saw a “3.21” barcode on the rear axel) I also have horrible gas mileage.

 

[devildodge]

I have the 3.21, hill descent, elocker, Off Road Group, 5.7 non etorque, April build. Confirmed 3.21 (I was actually under the truck and saw a “3.21” barcode on the rear axel) I also have horrible gas mileage.
View attachment 3009

Thanks for the info. Appreciate it.