Limited Slip Question.
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Joined: Dec 2003
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Limited Slip Question.
Hi, I just bought a 2000 F150 2wd Lariat with Limited Slip. The truck runs and drives beautifully. I had a 97 before that got totalled out. Anyway, I am wondering what it feels like when the limited slip kicks in. Once in a while when I am stopped at an intersection, and start it feels like there is a little hesitation or slight thump or drag in the rear end. I really don't know how to explain it, it only happens about 20% of the time. The roads have been wet since I bought my truck yesterday. Is this the limited slip kicking in? IT just feels wierd and I want to make sure this couldnt be a different problem I need checked out before my warranty is up. Can you email me directly with any comments.
Thanks.
Thanks.
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Louisville,Ky.
Hi and welcome to FTE 
That is not the LS kicking in. The only thing that I can think of off hand is when I take off in the rain at an intersection, sometimes as I cross over that white line that is across the road, it will start to spin and then catch again when the tires hit the pavement.
You really can't feel the LS kick in. It is always working. On dry pavement, if I accelerate kinda fast around a corner, it will scoot a tire, that's about it.
Jimmy
That is not the LS kicking in. The only thing that I can think of off hand is when I take off in the rain at an intersection, sometimes as I cross over that white line that is across the road, it will start to spin and then catch again when the tires hit the pavement.
You really can't feel the LS kick in. It is always working. On dry pavement, if I accelerate kinda fast around a corner, it will scoot a tire, that's about it.
Jimmy
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Sacramento, CA
Hi Thurow73:
Jimmy is right - you don't, and won't, feel anything with LS. It never "kicks in." LS is always "engaged." LS is actually a clutch type mechanisim in your differential that semi-locks the left and right axle together until different levels of force (traction) between left and right cause the clutch to release and allow the two axles to spin independently of each other. You will usually not feel this "release" either.
I had a similar experience with my F150 a few years ago. To me it felt like aan occasional looseness in the rear driveline somewhere. I couldn't tell if it was u-joints, slip yoke or... I took the truck to the dealer (under warranty) and explained it to them the best I could AND took them for a drive. I was hoping it would happen because it didn't always, but it did. The dealer fixed it and unfortunately they were super busy when I picked it up and I didn't have a chance to ask them what the problem was.
I suggest you try to make it happen on your own time, then go to the dealer and try to replicate the same conditions so it happens again with a service guy in the truck. If you can make it happen regularly, have the service guy drive it while you give him instructions.
Hope this helps.
-R
Jimmy is right - you don't, and won't, feel anything with LS. It never "kicks in." LS is always "engaged." LS is actually a clutch type mechanisim in your differential that semi-locks the left and right axle together until different levels of force (traction) between left and right cause the clutch to release and allow the two axles to spin independently of each other. You will usually not feel this "release" either.
I had a similar experience with my F150 a few years ago. To me it felt like aan occasional looseness in the rear driveline somewhere. I couldn't tell if it was u-joints, slip yoke or... I took the truck to the dealer (under warranty) and explained it to them the best I could AND took them for a drive. I was hoping it would happen because it didn't always, but it did. The dealer fixed it and unfortunately they were super busy when I picked it up and I didn't have a chance to ask them what the problem was.
I suggest you try to make it happen on your own time, then go to the dealer and try to replicate the same conditions so it happens again with a service guy in the truck. If you can make it happen regularly, have the service guy drive it while you give him instructions.
Hope this helps.
-R
