have a 2004 FX4, since new. can I pull the clutch plates out of the L/S and run it? will it work just like an open Diff or not? Im tired of every year or so they wear out and need to be replaced due to chatter. I have plenty of play toys with lockers so this is mainly used for towing and driving to work.
thanks all

 

Sorry to hear about your clutch plates. I had mine replaced under warranty and have not had the chatter come back and I'm at 99k! I think you could do that. I would double check to make sure. I'm not sure if that's the only difference between a non-LS and LS axle, but it would be worth pursuing.

 

I had mine apart a month or two ago and I'd say that you need the clutches unless you want to have about 3/4" of axle endplay. If you're going through clutches that quickly you probably need to upgrade your diff to something more durable.

 

No idea on the clutches but that's an awesome looking rig...

 

i'm guessing this is all coming out of your pocket? try a junkyard FX4 and steal an axle. I think a reasonable price would be $500 to $1k.

based on your repeat fixes, I think there is another issue besides bad clutches...if you go this route, keep your eyes peeled for a 06+ rear axle

 

what is the advantage of the 06 and up axle?

 

04/05 axles had some issues with gearsets and the LS unit

I haven't heard of many 06+ model axles having failures...looks like Ford found and corrected the issue by 06

 

i changed to Royal Purple 75-90 gear oil. all chatter gone, smooth as silk.

 

I must have been lucky and got one of the few trucks that didnt have a LS problem. Mine has never chattered and has never failed me. Hell I can pull over and burn rubber with one tire on the road and throw dirt with the other one in the ditch. Lol my dad is jelous his last three Superduty's (Including his 08) Ls's never worked worth a darn. But mine works beautifully.


Hey florida bronco how much of a lift you got on that rig?

 

yes on the LS it does grab well...too well. i can spin both with ease.
on the Bronco, hard to say, i cut off all the suspension and built my own.
id guess 12+" over a stock one. no bodylift

 

I meant your F150....

 

sorry,
its a 6"fabtech with 35" x17 tires

 

It looks awesome. Just the right amount of lift and right sized tires.