Hi Everybody,

This is my first post here I just bought my truck about three weeks ago.

It is a 2001 F-250 4x4 V10 XLT supercab. This isn't my first ford but I am definetly happy with it so far. It has 111,000 miles and I payed $15600 for it.

It is pretty much stock for now I was thinking K&N and exahaust but after reading I will probably hold off on the exahaust for now.

New tires a must, I have already gotten it stuck once. I am keeping the General Ameritrac's and buying a whole nuther set of wheels for some mud tires. I am thinking Cooper Discovery any input?

I did have a question about finding out the details of the rear end. Specifically the gear ratio and how to tell if it a trac-lock or not. When I was stuck it was dark and I don't remember if all four were spinning or not. All four turning would mean trac-lock, correct?

Sorry about the long post but I am still excited

Evan

 

Look on the tag on the rear end. The first 3 numbers on the top are the gear ratio. If they have an "L" between the first two numbers then it has a limited slip in the rear. Whether the front spins both tires has nothing to do with the rear Limited slip or not.

 

Congrats on the new truck, and welcome to the FTE

You'll find TONS of great help here, trust me.

Mike

 

So how does the front differential work? Will it ever spin all four?

I was under the impression that a limited slip rear end will give you true four wheel power but, I am young and stupid

 

ENC, check the tag on teh rear diff as rrmike pointed out.

If you have the Ford LS, then both wheels should spin, however, the Ford LS is NOT a locker, and is a mediocre LS unit. Here's a "standard answer" I've posted a few times about the Ford LS.
_________________________________________________
LIMITED SLIP

Before you tear into your diff., a little explanation of how your limited slip works may change your mind about it being worn out. I can't remember which site I found the info on, but try some of the popular LS aftermarket companies, Auburn, Detroit, ARB, etc... You'll find lots of useful info there. Also, for a real simple explanation of how your LS works, try www.howthingswork.com.

The LS system in your rear diff is actuated by torque, which in turn causes friction on a clutch pack. If the vehicle is stationary, with one rear wheel (especially a dually) spinning, the wheel rotates so freely that there is insufficient torque to activate the LS. Rememeber, it's not a locker, it's a clutch system.

Essentially, both wheels must be moving forward for the LS to work. At the least, there has to be enough traction at the free spinning wheel to apply sufficent torque to the clutches for the LS to engage.

Try the old trick of lightly applying the brakes or parking brakes (doesn't apply braking force to the front axle) to apply some resistance to the free spinning wheel and create sufficient torque to activate the LS clutch pack.
________________________________________________

As for the front, it's an open diff, so no, it will never spin both front tires at the same time if one is in a no traction situation. You can put an LS or a locker system in the front differential, but unless you're doing some pretty hard core off roading, the negative handling side effects will outweigh any benefit. If you want a true 4 wheel drive, an ARB style locker is the best setup for the front diff, but naturally, it's also the most expensive.

Waxy

P.S. Welcome to FTE.

 

Welcome aboard fellow FORD follower! Cooper Discoverers get the thumbs up with me, the AT'S and LT'S IMO are very good choices. Open tread, siping, long wearing, good wet and winter traction, not noisy and a large assortment of sizes.

PEAT-MOSS
1995 F250HD4X4

 

Evan,

You excited about your new truck, or the fact you've discovered FTE?

Welcome and enjoy!

Rick

 

The Cooper Discover AT's are a good tire. I had them on my 97 F150 and they served me well in the deep snow and rain. They also ride quietly as well. I didn't need to use the 4x4 mode a lot of the time as the tires and the LS rear helped out alot.


Enjoy

 

damn canadians......

well the one hoser was pretty much on the ball, but i will disagree that a front LSD will give you trouble.... i think a front LSD will feel no diff than an open front (the bind up is SOOOOO minimal in a LSD). now for the ultimate, the guy up north with the large army of rodents was correct with the ARB..... i'd stay away from a LOCKER up front as they can be dangrous.

so.... what do you do?

i'd say a LOCKER for the rear is a no brainer if you off-road at all.

front is a bit different..... got the cash, do an ARB. low on it..... i think the diff between a LSD and open is pretty darn close, so i'd save pennies for an ARB there!


then you will have 4 wheel drive..... locker in the rear and actuated ARB in the front.... just don't turn!!!

oh... you got ESOF, right???

 

Now I'm confused what is ESOF


I am probably gonna leave the gearboxes alone for now I was just curious more than anything.


I've got another question I can ask here or in the tire forum.

What is the biggest set of tires I can fit on the stock rims and under the stock body.

I am gonna have two sets of wheels and tires on for on road and one for off-road. SO if I can fit 33x12.5's I will but I am asking your advice first.

Thanks
Evan


As for the excited bit it is a little from column A & and little from column B.