Limited Slip Axle
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New User
Joined: Jul 2004
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Limited Slip Axle
I have a 2003 F-150 4x4 FX4 and I had the drivers side touching the ground and the other side in a snow bank. The wheel would continue to spin and the tires on the ground would not move. Was the limited slip axles working properly?
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
The factory limited slip works ok but isn't as good as some aftermarket locker type differentials. Here is some info out of the shop manual and maybe it will answer your question...........
Traction-Lok® Differential Check Road Test
Place one wheel on a dry surface and the other wheel on ice, mud or snow.
Gradually open the throttle to obtain maximum traction prior to break away. The ability to move the vehicle demonstrates correct performance of a Traction-Lok® rear axle assembly.
When starting with one wheel on an excessively slippery surface, a slight application of the parking brake may be necessary to help energize the Traction-Lok® feature of the differential. Release the brake when traction is established. Use light throttle on starting to provide maximum traction.
If, with unequal traction, both wheels slip, the limited slip rear axle has done all it can possibly do.
In extreme cases of differences in traction, the wheel with the least traction may spin after the Traction-Lok® has transferred as much torque as possible to the non-slipping wheel.
Traction-Lok® Differential Check Road Test
Place one wheel on a dry surface and the other wheel on ice, mud or snow.
Gradually open the throttle to obtain maximum traction prior to break away. The ability to move the vehicle demonstrates correct performance of a Traction-Lok® rear axle assembly.
When starting with one wheel on an excessively slippery surface, a slight application of the parking brake may be necessary to help energize the Traction-Lok® feature of the differential. Release the brake when traction is established. Use light throttle on starting to provide maximum traction.
If, with unequal traction, both wheels slip, the limited slip rear axle has done all it can possibly do.
In extreme cases of differences in traction, the wheel with the least traction may spin after the Traction-Lok® has transferred as much torque as possible to the non-slipping wheel.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,821
Likes: 19
From: South Dakota
Unfortunately what you experinced is a down fall of pretty much all LS units. A LS needs to have both wheels with some type of resistance in order to function properly.
The only way to effectively solve this is to get into a locker or some type of selectable locker like a e-locker. or monkey with the e-brake.
BTW, I dont wanna know where you ran into a snowbank at this time of year....
Welcome to FTE!
The only way to effectively solve this is to get into a locker or some type of selectable locker like a e-locker. or monkey with the e-brake.
BTW, I dont wanna know where you ran into a snowbank at this time of year....
Welcome to FTE!
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
That is definatley one of the problems with limited slip axles. They are exactly that, they will only limit slip not completely stop it. The stock limited slips as with most limited slips can't hold that much pressure so they slip. They do ok when there is some help with both tires on some type of solid surface. You should have been able to feel it trying to move you a little but more than likely it couldn't hold that amount of load. True lockers are the only way to get that type of performance.
