Crew, 4x4, F-250 and F-350. What are benefits and drawbacks with a limited slip rear?

 

Benefits:

when one rear tire loses traction, LS theoretically allows transfer of power to the other wheel (which hopefully has better traction), thus allowing you better traction in slippery conditions. This is beneficial in muddy, wet, or snowy conditions.

Drawbacks:

It costs $285 more.

By most accounts, Ford's limited slip rear end is only marginally functional. There have been some posts here that imply that you may need to apply slight brake pressure to force it to engage in certain situations.


Ordered 8/14/2001, Delivery scheduled for 10/1/2001:
2002 F-250 2WD CC Lariat Short Bed. Red/Parchment. V-10, Auto, 3.73LS. Chrome steps, cab lights, powered tow mirrors, captain's chairs.

 

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 27-Sep-01 AT 08:58 PM (EST)[/font][p]Benefits: A 4x4 without a LS is really only 2 wheel drive, one front wheel and one rear wheel. A LS turns it into a three wheel drive, two rear, one front. If you're getting a new truck, get the LS. Ford's LS isn't the best, but it's better than nothing. My truck came without one, so I put an Auburn unit in it. It's better than Ford's but it's $390 plus installation. After having one, I wouldn't be without one.

 

How about posi-traction? Does Ford make any trucks with that still, or is a LS rear the closest I'm going to get to full-time, full-rear traction?

 

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 28-Sep-01 AT 06:26 PM (EST)[/font][p]As I understand it, "Posi-Traction" was a trademarked GM thing, while Ford has/has "Traction-Lok". As long as you don't live in the snow belt, the one of the best traction devices is the Detroit Locker. It's locked all the time until you turn, then it unlocks until you straighten out again. However, on wet snow/ice, (like here in MI) it can be a handful if you wander into a slippery condition, unsuspecting, while still in 2WD. That's why I went with the LS. Mine has worked very well for me, and my Dad skipped the 4x4 thing all together and got a 2WD with a limited slip.