Limited Slip Differential Question
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Joined: Feb 2004
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Limited Slip Differential Question
Not ever owning a 4x4 before, I was wondering what advantage a rear limited slip differential has in an F-150 4x4 . I was told by the dealer that it would really only come into play if I was towing something very heavy for example and needed power to both wheels.
Assuming I won't be doing much towing or hauling, do I need it?
I am asking this because the dealer has what I am looking for on their lot minus a bed extender and Limited slip but with a moon roof instead. We have already negotiated an excellent price for a truck they were going to try to get from another dealer that had what we wanted. If I don't need limited slip, I will offer them the same negotiated price for the one on their lot if they will throw in a bed extender. I can live with the moonroof since I don't think I will need that upper rail system.
JRROTH1 in Virginia
Assuming I won't be doing much towing or hauling, do I need it?
I am asking this because the dealer has what I am looking for on their lot minus a bed extender and Limited slip but with a moon roof instead. We have already negotiated an excellent price for a truck they were going to try to get from another dealer that had what we wanted. If I don't need limited slip, I will offer them the same negotiated price for the one on their lot if they will throw in a bed extender. I can live with the moonroof since I don't think I will need that upper rail system.
JRROTH1 in Virginia
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Joined: Jul 2003
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Technically, even with 4x4, you can end up with only 2 wheels pulling. One in front and one in the back...if you DON'T have a limited slip rear end. The limited slip gives you 3 wheels pulling. If no limited slip, there's a chance one wheel in the back could lose traction and leave only the other wheel spinning, even if 4x4 is engaged. Not a good thing in my opinion. Since you don't want 4x4 engaged for roads that are dry or simply wet from rain, the limited slip is nice to have in those situations where you can't really engage 4x4 (unless you wanna screw it up 
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: So. La.
It would be great if Ford would offer a rear end Locker Option, especially an E-Locker, like "other" truck Mfr.'s.
To L/S or not to L/S, oh that troubling question ... what conditions do you expect to be driving in?
To L/S or not to L/S, oh that troubling question ... what conditions do you expect to be driving in?
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Rochester NY
I drive in a lot of nasty winter conditions with snow, ice, slush, you name it, I've always had no problem with the 4WD and no limited slip. It's a nice option, and great for 2WD (or to supplement the 4WD) but your deal sounds good, I would take it and not look back. Chances are with the 4WD you'll never even need the L/S. Just my humble opinion.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Saline, MI
The first time during a rainstorm where I feel my truck hydroplaning, it goes into 4 wheel drive. I don't care if it's good for it or not, I've had some close encounters with almost losing it during hydroplaning and it has never happened after I switched to 4X4.
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Raleigh. NC
I currently have a 4x4 Ranger with a Wide Open 4.10 differential. I'm in hell. Every time I turn a corner dry or wet, the inside tire breaks loose under anything over 1/4 throttle. In the rain it's ridiculous. I have to engage 4-wheel drive just to leave a stoplight. 
I will never drive a truck with an open differential again. My new F-150 has the limited slip, this is the most slip I'll accept. Trust me, you won't be happy with a wide open dif., especially off road. You'll get stuck in minutes.
I will never drive a truck with an open differential again. My new F-150 has the limited slip, this is the most slip I'll accept. Trust me, you won't be happy with a wide open dif., especially off road. You'll get stuck in minutes.
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Joined: May 2003
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From: Maryland
I own a 2003 F150 4 X 4 LS manual 4.6. My first LS vehicle. The lighter the rear end, the higher the horsepower, the more likely the rear tire(s) will break loose. I have had situations in the rain where both rear tires somewhat broke loose. I cannot imagine not having LS. I would be in spin hades. Not good when merging into traffic on a right turn yield at an intersection in the rain. Bad news.
Does anyone know if an LS will last as long as an open diff?
Chip
Does anyone know if an LS will last as long as an open diff?
Chip
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Joined: Mar 2004
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My last Scab did not have LS and it was a pain in the winter, I carried bags of sand in the bed to give me extra weights over the rear axle for better traction. That is so I didn't have to drive in 4wheel all the time. With LS in my new truck it given me the traction bite I need to get going in snow, etc. instead of going to 4 wheel drive to take off.