Used to drive a 99 Dodge Ram 4x4 - - no complaints. Recently jumped ship to Ford: 2005 F150 Supercrew 4x4. After ten thousand miles I realized I have an open differential - - 3.55 axle ratio, code 19 on door sticker. Essentailly, my truck is worthless for what I like to do (off-road while hunting, etc). I have gotten stuck three times where my Dodge used to glide. I am thinking about an aftermarket limited slip differential, as "lockers" seem to be a little too hard core for what I need and I do, and after all I also put a lot of highway miles on my truck. Questions: 1) why make a 4x4 with an open differential? 2) If I go the LSD is the Ford product that inferior to other brands (eg, Auburn)?, 3) Should rear LSD cover it for weekend off-roading, or should I look into getting something in the front also? Thanks for any help.

 

1) Ford makes the open diffs becasue it allows them to make a model that is a little cheaper than one with LS.

2) I have heard from multiple sources that the aftermarket LS kits are indeed superior to the Ford parts.

3) IIRC, the LS option is ONLY for the rear axle, not in the front on the Fords, so yes- the LS Kit in the rear should do everything you want to do.

I agree with you - I think Ford is nuts to build a 4x4 with an open rear end.

CMOS

 

Welcome to FTE!

Check out this thread.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=443626

As far as a front Locker or LS....

I'd reccomend that you stick with the open front diff, especially if you live where it snows. Now if you are a serious offroader, then I'd skip the LS unit and go with a selectable locker.

Since our trucks don't have lockouts at the wheels, a full time locker would be downright spooky to drive in the winter. A LS unit would simply be too unpredictable for a front end in the winter.

 

Thanks for the replies -- I appreciate it. This has been a learning experience for me that I have passed on to my friends - don't assume a 4x4 has LS!