4 Wheel Drive variations question

[equin]

Ford offers an electronic locking rear differential.
You can lock the rear end in 2wd or 4wd.

Interesting. Didn't know Ford offered that. Wish more manufacturers would offer that in their trucks and SUVs.

I believe Toyota still offers them. I know my '03 Tacoma has a selectable rear locker, and I'm pretty sure the newer TRD Tacomas have one, too. Also, the new ATRAC system on the newer FJ Cruisers (and maybe 4Runners and Lexus?) are pretty good, even though I understand ATRAC-equipped vehicles don't come with front or rear lockers. Not exactly sure how Toyota's ATRAC works, but my Tacoma struggled going up a steep, rocky, off-camber hill on a 4-diamond rated trail with a locked rear, while another FJ Cruiser just seemed to cake walk it with the new-fangled ATRAC system. In some ways, it kind of takes the fun and challenge out of technical trail riding, but I was impressed with the technology to say the least. Would be curious to know how it works going down a steep hill, as those downhill descents tend to scare me even in 4LO.

Regardless, I don't think the OP is interested in technical trail riding, so I'm sure all of this moot, but a locking rear diff (and I guess ATRAC) can sure come in handy if the need arises.

[equin]

Wait, I may need to reconsider what I said about a "locking rear diff" coming in handy if the need arises. I should correct that to say a selectable (i.e., electronic or ARB-style) locking rear diff can come in handy. An automatic locking rear diff can be kind of dangerous on really slick, icy roads. Best to be able to ensure it's disengaged when driving under those conditions.

[tmurray]

I know on my 2010 Z71 half ton I have a button on the dash that is Traction Control. If I hold it down it initially says "Traction Control Off", but keep holding it down and about 5 seconds later it says "Stabilitrak Off". I honestly don't know what the heck that does for me but it seems to help in 4hi. I think it does it automatically in 4lo.

[Javelin]

Ford fx4 models have a locking rear diff. Ford 4x4 models have only limited slip. What that equates to is that a fx4 in 2wd with locked rear diff will go almost anywhere a 4x4 in 4x4 will And when the fx is locked and in 4x4 it will go farther before getting stuck

[30-30]

Land Rovers are AWD and will most assuredly outperform most other vehicles in off road use.

Dang straight!