how limited is the Ford limited slip rear on the newer f-150s?

I don't have one now, and I was thinking of getting one in leiu of 4x4 because I don't go offroading all that much. But one wheel spinning gets to be a pain in the snow and ice, and sometimes even rain.

What type of limited slip does ford drop in? The regular clutch kind? I see the new ranger fx4 has torsen limited slip, which is nice.

I've never had a positrac... could someone tell me how effective it is? I could do without the mileage and weight of a 4x4 if I could avoid it for light offroad tasks (camping, and taking the truck through fields and things for chores)
Matt

 

oh yeah, the positrac/limited slip would be on one of those spiffy 2004 f150s or maybe a 2005.
Matt

 

"PosiTraction" is the GM name for limited slip - Ford calls it "Traction Lock" (TracLok). The TorSen is actually a torque biasing differential; not a limited slip. You're probably going to have to get that info from a brochure or a salesman. The TracLok is decent when it's new, but all LSDs wear constantly, so their lifespan is limited. They can be rebuilt, though.

More info on diffs.

 

i changed my stock open rearend in my 86 mustang to a limited slip and the differance was amazing. i could park with one tire in the mud and take off like it was on pavement with posi. b4 it would just spin the tire in the mud. i hate that! i've went muddin a lot in that car and the posi helps traction out a lot. i wanna put a posi in my 83 f100- ive seen that one tire spin too many times.

 

Right on, I'll try to get one in my new truck when that day comes.

 

One winter my truck wouldn't make it up a hill due to ice and was in no position to back down safely so I applied the emergency brake just enough to stop the wheelspin and fooled the rearend into working like a traclok, made it up the hill. Easier to do with handbrake.