Well that topic ought to get some attention!

I'm currently shopping for a new truck to replace my rusting 96 f-150 XLT ext cab 6' bed 4x4 with a 5.8 and 3.55limited slip diff.

I live in WI and I drive on icy/snowy roads quite a bit. I go off road now and then too but not much. I think for me that limited slip makes a lot more sense than a locker that I cant use on the highway.

I also occasionally tow a 2-horse trailer and may be getting a car trailer soon so I want good towing capacity and trailer brake hookups.

Another consideration is that I don't want anything much onger than what I have now- I have to fit into the parking spots at work. I do like having the extended cab if only for the extra easily lockable space

So, here's the issue.. I've been playing with the build&price thing on Ford's site. I think what makes sense for me is an f-150 XLT with extended cab and 6' box with either the 5.0 or ecoboost, 4x4, 3.73 gears and max tow package. But I can't seem to select a limited slip axle in that configuration. What gives? I hope that's an oversight on the site and I can still order one. Anyone know?

Only way I seem to be able to get my LSD is to do reg cab 8' box which gives me no extra can room or to go super crew with a 6' which costs more and I'm worried is longer than I want .

I'm a long time ford fan and what I described above is the truck I want. If Ford won't sell that to me I may have to look at *shudder* Dodge.

 

I'm not sure if this helps, or if it's because my truck is a 2wd but.. I just picked up the truck in my sig. It's an XLT, supercab, 3.55 and has limited slip. You might still be able to find an '11 if you look hard and get a better deal. My truck was some $2K below the invoice, no way would I have got a '12

 

I'll guess I'll have to check with the dealer, although I won't be ready to buy until January. Seems odd to me that they wouldn't offer it on any truck.

It also seemed weird to me that when I tried build&price on an f-250 it seemed as if you couldn't even get it on those. But you can get the electronic lockers on everything. Seems to me that few people would actually need a full locker but limited slip is a pretty huge thing for anyone who drives slippery roads.

 

looks like the only way to get the 3;73 lsd in an extended cab 6.5 ft box would be to go with the 3.7 ltr 6 banger. that would give you about 1500 lb payload and about 5500 pounds max towing according to ford direct.

 

Yeah that won't cut it for me, that's a downgrade in towing capacity from what I've got now.

I'm noticing that I can't seem to find a 3.55 limited slip option on anything now either. I could have sworn you used to be able to get a 2012 in that configuration.

Could it be they're running out of LSDs at the factory or something? Seems crazy you can't get one on any 3/4 ton configuration. I'd be willing to wait for the 2013s to show up if that's what it takes. If I'm gonna pay the premium for new, no way am I going to compromise on what I want.

 

You can get the electronic locking diff in most applications where you no longer find the LSD available, or don't you want that?

 

Another option would be to get a truck with the open diff and have a Detroit Tru-Trac installed. They are probably one of the best street friendly LSD's available for the 9.75" ford rear.

Before doing such a thing, i would talk to your dealer about warranty.

This would get you your LSD, but you will pay considerably more than just ordering the e-locker version from ford.

I am also disappointed that the true LSD is gone from the lineup. Nothing against the locker, i think it would be great if it would just work automaticaly and in 2-wheel drive.

 

I have driven open diff trucks sooooo long I would just love a locker. My mustang has an eaton LSD and the only time it locks up is on the track or when I am feeling squirrely.

 

Have you tried to bring up the max tow pkg? I have it on my 2011 4X4 w/5.5' box. It has the 3.73 limited slip.

 

I would keep looking for a 2011 model. Mine is an XLT 4x4 2011 5.0L with 3.55 LSD.

 

I'm down to a choice between a regular cab 8' bed with a 3.73 limited slip and payload/max tow packages and an extended cab 6' box 3.73 with e-locker and the regular tow pkg.

I kind of want a back seat. Anyone had any experience with these new trucks without limited slp on slippery roads? Does the trac control really work that well or will I miss having limited slip?

 

Limited slip does most of its' work on takeoff honestly.

 

If I were you I'd get the 4x4 super cab, ecoboost, 8' bed. 3.73 limited slip with HD payload and max tow.
From what I understand, the only thing you don't like about that config is the overall length. Yes, it's 18" longer than the 6.5' bed, but you get the LSD, max tow, and HD payload (which will help you stay within the limits when towing that horse trailer). You'll have more than 2,300 lbs of payload with that configuration, and some extra room in the bed to spare.

You said "not much longer" - I think 1.5' isn't all that much more considering what you gain.

 

That's what I am buying. Plenty of room to grow for most people without the cost of running a diesel.

 

That makes sense, I'm just thinking of my work parking lot. Unless one manages to get one of the choice spaces, there is barely enough room to get my truck turned in the space between rows and pull in/pull out.

With snow coming they'll pile snow up on the edges of the parking lot and it gets even worse. Areas of the parking lot end up being no good for a large vehicle- someone backed into my trailer ball last year in these crowded conditions.

I think compared to my 96 it's closer to 2' longer... seems like it might just be asking for it.