Locking axle vs limited slip?
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Freshman User
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From: West Tenn
Locking axle vs limited slip?
Hey guys, thinking of the Platinum, EcoBoost, 4 x2, with 3.73 axle, max towing.In this configuration the '11s got LSD, if I order the '12 you get the electronic locking axle. What are the differences in these two, why would you prefer one over the other? Thanks for your help, I'm thinking the 2011?
Fleet Mechanic
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If you are just planning on using your truck for Work the limited slip should work fine...LSD basically works like a locker, but not quite as effective. A true locker is great for offroading, but excessive for anything else really. It might come in handy at some place like a slick boat ramp. The main difference between the two is that the LSD differential does not require you to pull **** or flip a switch to activate it, it works automatically, The Locker however will require you to be in 4X4 at which point you have to pull the 4X4 dial out in order to engage the locker.
Either way, both will serve you just fine.
I own a 2011 FX4 5.0L with a locker myself.
Either way, both will serve you just fine.
I own a 2011 FX4 5.0L with a locker myself.
Senior User
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From: Alabama
I have owned vehicles with both LSD and Lockers. I would get the LSD my self if it was an option. The only time I see a locker being the best option is if you do some serious rockcrawling or offroading. Plus there are speed limits with the electric lockers usually around 5 mph with most vehicles where they just kick off to avoid damage, the Raptor being one of the acceptions. You can go full tilt with the locker engaged in the Raptor. Lockers are horrible on snow and ice as well, a LSD would work best for you IMHO.
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From: Maine, Virginia
Hey guys, thinking of the Platinum, EcoBoost, 4 x2, with 3.73 axle, max towing.In this configuration the '11s got LSD, if I order the '12 you get the electronic locking axle. What are the differences in these two, why would you prefer one over the other? Thanks for your help, I'm thinking the 2011?
Apparently the Ford engineers have decided that a LSD is less effective than we all believe it to be.
I've owned both open diffs and LSD's and I can't really see a huge difference. I been well served by both.
Another thing that you may want to consider is that with the ecoboost engine, the 36 gallon tank is standard on the 4x4 and I believe an option on the 4x2. It's not available at all on the 2011's.
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Freshman User
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From: West Tenn
Thanks for input guys, what is operable speed of E locker, and how does it behave above that limit, just single wheel drive or what? Just trying to figure out which will give best traction in hopefully light snow without 4 x4?
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From: Louisville,Ky.
The LSD in my 88 Mustang has served me well for a very long time. Had the clutches replaced under warranty @ 30K and went ahead and upgraded them to carbon fiber GT500/Cobra clutches when I overhauled the differential @ 167K miles.
It is a warranty thing. They get a lot of complaints about clutch chatter when accelerating around a corner with a LSD in the rear (that s fluid change and friction modifier usually fixes). With an e-locker, this will not be an issue.
This is the same reason that Ford went with a dummy oil pressure gauge. Too many complaints about normal pressure fluctuation, so they installed a resistor in the system so that if there is more than 7psi of oil pressure (enough to keep the oil light off), the gauge will read somewhere 3/4 on the gauge and never move.
It is a warranty thing. They get a lot of complaints about clutch chatter when accelerating around a corner with a LSD in the rear (that s fluid change and friction modifier usually fixes). With an e-locker, this will not be an issue.
This is the same reason that Ford went with a dummy oil pressure gauge. Too many complaints about normal pressure fluctuation, so they installed a resistor in the system so that if there is more than 7psi of oil pressure (enough to keep the oil light off), the gauge will read somewhere 3/4 on the gauge and never move.
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The E-locker I tried (2011 EcoBoost) acts like an open diff in 2wd (when you need it most). I hate that. There is a massive difference between LSD and open diff.
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I don't recall the exact speed at which the ELD reverts back to an open diff but I'm thinking it is around 20-25 MPH. I was reluctant about the ELD after having had an LS in my '05 that actually functioned quite well. Having had the ELD now for about four months and using it several times, I'm a believer.
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Fleet Mechanic
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I guess that's one of the differences between the locker in the F-150 and the one in the Super Duty. I can lock mine in 2WD and it is fantastic.
I don't recall the exact speed at which the ELD reverts back to an open diff but I'm thinking it is around 20-25 MPH. I was reluctant about the ELD after having had an LS in my '05 that actually functioned quite well. Having had the ELD now for about four months and using it several times, I'm a believer.
I don't recall the exact speed at which the ELD reverts back to an open diff but I'm thinking it is around 20-25 MPH. I was reluctant about the ELD after having had an LS in my '05 that actually functioned quite well. Having had the ELD now for about four months and using it several times, I'm a believer.
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So, when you activate the e-locker, is it locked at that point? Or does wheel slippage cause it to engage after that point? And if you leave it on, and jump on the highway, it disengages over 25mph on its own? Not that you'd want to, but also can you engage it while driving on the highway? Just trying to figure out how it works.
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From: SW Virginia
So, when you activate the e-locker, is it locked at that point? Or does wheel slippage cause it to engage after that point? And if you leave it on, and jump on the highway, it disengages over 25mph on its own? Not that you'd want to, but also can you engage it while driving on the highway? Just trying to figure out how it works.
On the road, above 25, it does disengage on its own. I've never left the switch on to see if it reengages on its own after you slow down to below 25. It says in the owner's manual that it is not designed for use on high traction surfaces such as dry pavement.
You can engage it at speeds below 25 MPH on-the-fly, in 2WD and 4WD High. And when in 4WD Low, you can engage it and it will not disengage at any speed.
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Okay good stuff, thanks. Oh, I guess the only other question I had was, can you engage it while in the process of slipping, or would that be too much jolt on the axle? Like, would it be advised to stop the throttle (in the case only 1 rear wheel was spinning) before engaging?
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From: SW Virginia
Can't answer that one for you. I've always locked mine prior to moving in situations where I knew or thought I may need it. I would guess one of two things would happen though:
1) The system would not engage the locker and would remain open as a safety default to minimize potential damage.
2) There would be some horrendous sounds coming from the diff upon activation and potential damage.
1) The system would not engage the locker and would remain open as a safety default to minimize potential damage.
2) There would be some horrendous sounds coming from the diff upon activation and potential damage.