Well it looks like we're going to get snow here today so now my thoughts have turned to traction aids.

I'm hoping to hear from the guys who have some experience with LS on the front axle. I have a 2002 F-350 CC 4x4 with the dreaded factory LS in the rear. I hope to improve how far I can travel before getting stuck hopelessly.

Opinions welcome as to what to look for and what to expect.
I already heard that air lockers are not so good up here as the moisture buildup from the compressed air and our freezing temperatures are not a good mix.
It seems that I am going to be very limited in what is available.

The truck is my daily driver but on weekends I tend to push it down snow or mud covered roads where others fear to tread.

 

Lockers in the front are NOT recommended unless you plan to do the vast majority of your driving off road. This is especially true if you live with snow and ice. A locker in the front can lead to serious handling and steering problems.

I would still recommended an ARB type air locker because it can be fully disengaged, but you're likely correct when it comes to the difficulties you might face. I would point out thought that every heavy truck on the road is running an air brake system, and with proper maintenance, they work consistently and safely in temps below -40C.

It's true that you can unlock the hubs and effectively disengage the locker, but for most people, you want the hubs locked if you're driving in inclement weather or in a situation where 4X4 may be required. With a locker, handling will be negatively affected if the hubs are locked, regardless of whether the transfer case is in 4X4 or not.

I would start by upgrading to an aftermarket locker in the rear to replace the stock Ford LS unit.

As a side note, in my experience, the negative side affects of lockers often outweigh the benefits when it comes to snow and ice. A rear locker can actually make driving in these conditions more dificult. IMHO, lockers are more suited to dirt/mud, where traction is more readily available and they can of more benefit.

Waxy

 

I think it depends on how you drive and where. I need traction I get traction from two lockers. The SD does real well with the lockright up front compared to my yota. I run around in two wheel drive most of the time while plowing and use 4 wheel when I need to..no 4 wheel on the highway with a locker above 40 mph.
I absolutely love it cause I go places other drivers only dream about and never get stuck in the snow. I live in the boonies with a 1000 ft vert driveway and dirt roads and 10 acres that I use the SD to log with. It will litteraly pull the house down. If this sounds like you then you need what I have..Most people shouldn't do it..As far as LS in the front don't waste your money.
I didn't go with an ARB cause of too many parts to go bad..

 

Why do you say not to waste the money on a limited slip? Are they not up to the task?

I also forgot to mention that I load a truck camper up in June and don't take it off until the end of September. Is a locker in the rear going to last hauling this kind of weight around?

 

I'm not sure there is a "limited slip" unit for the Dana 50. Even if there was, it would constantly act up and chatter during turns on dry pavement, it seems to me.

If you want something to address traction, the guys are right, get a selectable locker like an ARB (air) an OX (cable) or Electrac (electric).

 

Just to avoid problems, the front axle in your '02 SD is a DANA 60.

Waxy

 

Limited slip units don't work in the snow well at all. Thats why I said don't waste yer money. Front or back most don't lock up without some traction to both wheels. As far as putting one in the front If it was any good it would probably act like a locker.
Another reason I go with a locker is that a ARB or elec locker act like a spool when locked. The lockright I use will disengage in most situations. Like going downhill and trying to turn with an ARB is about impossible in the snow.