I am looking at getting a 97 and up 2wd f150 to replace my old 86 2wd f150, and want to get one with limited slip. I heard somewhere that after a certain year all the XLT's came standard with limited slips. Is this statement correct?

You might say "just get a 4x4", but my budget will not allow that, and I want to get as many MPG as possible. I have made it through some nasty winters with my 86 open diff 2wd 300 4spd. Just use studded snows and sand bags in the back!

TIA
Scott

 

I just piad $285.00 for limited slip on my new f150 last year and believe it still an upgrade these days

 

I doubt that ALL the XLT's in any year came with an LS.

To help you find one, look at the axle code on the door jamb sticker. If you find any one with a letter before a number you'll have found an original LS vehicle.

Ex: H6, B7.... not 19 (two numbers --no letter --no factory LS installed)

Now to get a positive ID on whether the LS is functional or has been removed, well... you'll need to roast the tires or remove the diff cover to inspect.

-Kerry

 

The most certain way to tell if your rear axle has factory LS is to crawl under the back end and inspect the axle housing. There should be a metal tag attched to the diff cover with axle ratios stamped into it. IF your numbers have an "L" in them (i.e. 3L55, 3L73 etc), then you have an LS axle. No "L", no limited slip from factory.

Just my own personal experience.

Good luck, and "hello" from a newbie to the forum!

James

 

I second the past posts. I bought a "leftover" 2001 F 150 XLT a year and a half ago. The "3.55 RATIO LIMITED SLIP AXLE" is listed on the sticker as a $285 option.

I had the same concerns as you. I think 4WD was about $3000 more, cut payload by 300 lbs., and mileage by 2-3 MPG. I bought a set of 4 OEM alloy wheels and snow tires on eBay for $400. It does fine!