Illustrated glossary · Locking differentials
What does a locking differential do?
A locking differential couples the two wheels on an axle so they turn at the same speed. If one tire is in the air, the other can still push against the ground. An open differential allows different wheel speeds, which helps during normal turns.
See how it works
Lift one rear wheel, then lock the . Compare the tire that still has grip.
2026 Ford Bronco · Badlands
Surface
4H · wheels up
Stuck
The airborne wheels spin while their partners on the rock stay still. let the wheels with grip push; is not shown.
Front and rear locked 50/50
How this works
Wheel movement illustrates power flow, not measured traction.
A simplified open-versus-locked axle using our existing wheel-state simulation. Brake-based traction control and limited-slip behavior are not included.
Why one spinning tire can stop progress
An allows different speeds while applying similar to each axle shaft. A tire with almost no resistance can spin with little torque. That also limits useful torque at its partner. A removes the speed difference so the tire with grip can keep pushing.
Equal speed does not mean equal torque
A locker ties wheel speeds together; the forces at the two tires can still differ. A biases torque while allowing some speed difference. Brake-based can resist a spinning wheel. These are different mechanisms, with different limits.
Allow different speeds during road turns
The outside tire travels farther during a turn. A locked axle resists that difference, so a selectable locker is not something to leave engaged through dry-pavement turns. Each vehicle sets its own speed, drive-mode and engagement restrictions.
Explore it on a vehicle
Pick an equipped build to explore. Prices before .
2026 Ford Bronco
- BaseAvailable on this build$46,9602-door · Requires Package 765
- Big BendAvailable on this build$45,4904-door · Requires Package 51D
- Outer BanksAvailable on this build$54,5554-door · Requires Package 765
- BadlandsStandard$48,8902-door
- Stroppe EditionStandard$69,9954-door
- RaptorStandard$79,9954-door
- Heritage EditionStandard$51,6254-door
2026 Jeep Wrangler
About these examples
Year-specific examples from our catalogs, not a complete market list. A missing vehicle or trim does not establish that the feature is unavailable. Each illustration and link uses the shown build. Unknown prices stay unknown.
2026 Ford Bronco
Examples with a rear locker. The tool enables only the lockers and modes fitted to the selected build.
2026 Jeep Wrangler
Examples with a rear locker. The tool enables only the lockers and modes fitted to the selected build.
Our Wrangler data has the gas Wrangler's engines, transmissions, 4x4 systems, axles, wheels, tires, bumpers, tops and some of its packages. It doesn't have every package, the 392 V8 or the 4xe plug-in hybrid yet, so something missing from this page may still be offered.