Originally Posted by 00t444e

The factory limited slip is a clutch type limited slip just like the GM Posi or the Chrysler Sure grip. The way a clutch limited slip works is there are clutch packs on each side of the spider gears that have a preload on them that are constantly trying to keep both wheels spinning at the same speed. However that preload can't be very high or else you would be chirping the tires every time you go around a corner because there would be no differentiation between the wheels. If you get into a situation where one tire has very little traction like on ice and the other tire still has good traction there can be enough difference to overcome the clutch packs and only one wheel would spin. The factory Ford limited slip isn't set up very tight so it is easy to overcome the friction of the clutches.

Originally Posted by pmillen

Thanks for that. I've seen the Positraction dog clutches and have left my share of dual black stripes on the road, but I didn't realize how easy the limited slips might be to overcome. So, my GMC Yukon with limited slips front and rear most likely reverts to single-wheel drive at each end when there's a significant traction difference. I wondered why the hard-core off-roaders install lockers.

Yeah, thanks.

Now—my 2018 F150 KR has a rear locker, but as near as I can tell, a limited slip front. Is that the case?

Originally Posted by 00t444e

I agree that the locker in the rear is better, but I have never liked traction control on anything. If you are in a situation like mud or are climbing a slick hill the traction control will kill power and apply the brakes to the spinning wheel which causes you to lose your momentum and get stuck or not be able to climb the hill. I guess you can still turn it off for situations like this but in my ford work van it still comes back on after you hit 20mph, not sure if the trucks are like this or not.

Originally Posted by 00t444e

Pretty much all 4x4s made in the last 25 years came with an open front diff with the exceptions being the Jeep wrangler Rubicon and the Dodge Power wagon that have selectable lockers.

Originally Posted by seventyseven250

Limited slip sounds like it would suit your needs better. They still offer that.

Originally Posted by Buliwyf

Mine turns off at 20mph, it'll come back on when I slow down. Not that it matters, I only use it when I'm struggling to go, not when moving swiftly where it's fairly useless.

In 4low it'll stay on at any reasonable speed if your driving down the beach at Daytona or something.

Originally Posted by pmillen

I was watching a guy mount tires. The Yukon was on a lift and both front tires turned in the same direction when he rotated one. Is that not a good test for limited slip? Also, it binds like crazy when turning on dry pavement in 4WD. Would an open front differential do that?

Originally Posted by tomcoul

I checked Ford's website and they only offer Non-Limited Slip (open) or E Locker differentials.

For my use driving around town in the winter on snow covered/wet roads would the standard traction control system work well enough to minimize wheel spin and allow the truck to move out on snow covered roads?

If I can get by without the E locker option the local dealers have several 2017 trucks in stock that I would be interested in.

Originally Posted by 00t444e

I thought traction control was disabled in 4x4 low?

Originally Posted by 00t444e

I don't think you can even get up to 65 mph in 4 low.

Originally Posted by tomcoul

I checked Ford's website and they only offer Non-Limited Slip (open) or E Locker differentials.

For my use driving around town in the winter on snow covered/wet roads would the standard traction control system work well enough to minimize wheel spin and allow the truck to move out on snow covered roads?

If I can get by without the E locker option the local dealers have several 2017 trucks in stock that I would be interested in.