Notices
Excursion - King of SUVs 2000 - 2005 Ford Excursion
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Front Yukon LSD

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 27, 2020 | 06:35 PM
  #1  
devovino's Avatar
devovino
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
From: Bend
Front Yukon LSD

So am rebuilding my front end in the next few days, resealing axles as I have a leak on the passenger side. I will be putting in a Yukon LSD while I am in there as I plan on someday making this Excursion a Overlander rig, and plan on using a plow potentially in the winter, and pull a snowmobile trailer in the snow. Anybody have any experience with a LSD in the front end? Considered a E-Locker but opted away from it due to cost, and I don’t believe I can find one for the Dana 50.
Nonetheless, anything else I should do while I have the axles out and torn down?
Thanks
 
Reply
Old May 2, 2020 | 05:27 PM
  #2  
devovino's Avatar
devovino
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
From: Bend
Nary a sole huh, but tons of feedback on “ what size tires can I fit w/o rubbing”.....?

I have surmised that not enough people have ever had or driven an Ex with a Torque lock, or Some such LSD in the front to give feedback. Information on the World Wide Web varies with opinions, and as such decided to formulate my own.

Rebuilt my front end axle seals, and replaced my open diff with the aforementioned Yukon traction aid, I will guess I will have to find out for myself. Will be next winter until I see snow or am able to plow or pull sleds, but imagine I will be In 4x4 climbing the dirt road to the lake sooner than later, To Be determined.

while I am here. What the best oil to use........😂
 
Reply
Old May 2, 2020 | 06:49 PM
  #3  
cbryant_1's Avatar
cbryant_1
4wd Low
20 Year Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
I put the Yukon limited slip in my Excursion a couple off years ago, mainly because it was the only option. I prefer Truetracs for a limited slip, but one is not available for the 50, other than the modified 44 units. The Yukon works well, it is more effective than a trac-loc, and obviously way better than open, bu still relatively smooth with no chatter when in 4wd.
 
Reply
Old May 2, 2020 | 10:18 PM
  #4  
Lance Helmert's Avatar
Lance Helmert
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 880
Likes: 13
From: Northcentral Wisconsin
I run Amsoil in almost everything I own. I have no experience with lockers, except a GM gov-lock. From what I've read, the Tru-trac is best, but is unavailable for the 50. I would like LSD's in mine also, but haven't done research past the Tru-trac.
 
Reply
Old May 3, 2020 | 11:02 AM
  #5  
IMASAP's Avatar
IMASAP
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,715
Likes: 60
From: Central NH
Seems to me I recall someone here posting that the Tru-Trac was available form one of the big 4wd online sellers. It was a unit for the D44 that was machined to fit the D50. Maybe someone else here remembers also and can post a link to the thread ? I have terrible luck with search results here.
 
Reply
Old May 4, 2020 | 10:42 AM
  #6  
devovino's Avatar
devovino
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
From: Bend
Originally Posted by cbryant_1
I put the Yukon limited slip in my Excursion a couple off years ago, mainly because it was the only option. I prefer Truetracs for a limited slip, but one is not available for the 50, other than the modified 44 units. The Yukon works well, it is more effective than a trac-loc, and obviously way better than open, bu still relatively smooth with no chatter when in 4wd.
Agreed, it’s worth having an extra traction aid given what the future of the truck will be, the Ex is already a monster in the snow with open diff in the front, I imagine it will get me way more stuck now with the added traction aid..... I have always wanted to get a winch bumper up front so that will be a consideration going forward, I like the looks of the ARB for that.

Will be adding air bag bag to the rear, and though it would be nice to have in he front as well to control the added weight of a bumper and possible a plow in the future.
 
Reply
Old May 4, 2020 | 11:53 AM
  #7  
JAck19's Avatar
JAck19
Laughing Gas
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 831
Likes: 171
From: Greenville, TX
Originally Posted by devovino
So am rebuilding my front end in the next few days, resealing axles as I have a leak on the passenger side. I will be putting in a Yukon LSD while I am in there as I plan on someday making this Excursion a Overlander rig, and plan on using a plow potentially in the winter, and pull a snowmobile trailer in the snow. Anybody have any experience with a LSD in the front end? Considered a E-Locker but opted away from it due to cost, and I don’t believe I can find one for the Dana 50.
Nonetheless, anything else I should do while I have the axles out and torn down?
Thanks
If you're bent on sticking with the 50, you could go with ARB's air locker, Auburn's ECTED, or maybe Powertrax's Lunchbox rebuild (auto locker). I'd check out your typical wear items (ball joints, etc.)

That said, you could go to the Dana 60 from a '02-'04 F250 or F350 (SRW) and open your options up considerably. I'm rebuilding one right now for my Ex. The stronger unit would probably benefit your plowing anyway, and would better handle the stresses of a locker, particularly while overlanding.

 
Reply
Old May 7, 2020 | 10:26 AM
  #8  
nitro_rat's Avatar
nitro_rat
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 284
Likes: 1
A clutch type limited slip acts like a welded diff or full spool in the snow/ice. There isn't enough traction at the wheels to overcome the clutches so they stay locked up. An automatic locker or geared helical limited slip is a better option. A "lunch box" locker is available for the 50. If you don't like it you can take it out...
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

 Brett Foote
story-2

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-7

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
Old May 7, 2020 | 03:58 PM
  #9  
Squirrel13's Avatar
Squirrel13
Laughing Gas
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,115
Likes: 264
From: KY
Just be aware that a locked steering axle wants to crab and resists turning. This can cause unpredictable behavior in snow and ice. In my experience offroading I much preferred the predictable behavior of selectable lockers. Especially in the front. Since you are going to be carrying the weight of the plow I agree with the recommendation to build a 60. Plowing is once of the roughest things you can do to the front end of a vehicle.
 
Reply
Old May 8, 2020 | 07:42 AM
  #10  
6_Myles's Avatar
6_Myles
Tuned
15 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 331
Likes: 4
Originally Posted by Squirrel13
Just be aware that a locked steering axle wants to crab and resists turning. This can cause unpredictable behavior in snow and ice. In my experience offroading I much preferred the predictable behavior of selectable lockers. Especially in the front. Since you are going to be carrying the weight of the plow I agree with the recommendation to build a 60. Plowing is once of the roughest things you can do to the front end of a vehicle.
Agreed 100%. After my own research I decided it was either a selectable or open in the front for me, and I didn't see the need in the expense of the selectable...my recommendation to you for plowing would be a selectable and a built d60.
 
Reply
Old May 8, 2020 | 08:41 PM
  #11  
00t444e's Avatar
00t444e
Logistics Pro
5 Year Member
Liked
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3,523
Likes: 483
From: Southern OH
I wouldn't put a clutch type LSD in the front axle, a Lock Right locker would be a better option.
 
Reply
Old May 13, 2020 | 08:32 AM
  #12  
IMASAP's Avatar
IMASAP
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,715
Likes: 60
From: Central NH
Originally Posted by Squirrel13
Just be aware that a locked steering axle wants to crab and resists turning. This can cause unpredictable behavior in snow and ice. In my experience offroading I much preferred the predictable behavior of selectable lockers. Especially in the front.
If you were in a sticky situation (with a locker) and only wanted power to one front wheel, couldn't you leave one hub unlocked until you were back on solid ground?
 
Reply
Old May 13, 2020 | 08:54 AM
  #13  
00t444e's Avatar
00t444e
Logistics Pro
5 Year Member
Liked
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3,523
Likes: 483
From: Southern OH
Originally Posted by IMASAP
If you were in a sticky situation (with a locker) and only wanted power to one front wheel, couldn't you leave one hub unlocked until you were back on solid ground?
You could but it will pull you to the left or right depending on which hub you have unlocked since only one front wheel is getting torque.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
rock2610d
Excursion - King of SUVs
42
Oct 8, 2023 09:13 PM
Fomoko1
Manitoba / Saskatchewan Chapter
5
Nov 7, 2008 09:14 PM
1978fordf250
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
6
Jul 8, 2007 12:28 PM
Pkupman82
Offroad & 4x4
14
Feb 15, 2007 11:30 PM
Dieseldan7.3
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
39
Nov 24, 2004 10:28 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:07 PM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE