LimitedSlip Differential Question
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LimitedSlip Differential Question
I use my truck mostly for light-duty hauling(16'boat/trailer) and hunting/fishing trips involving some off-road travels and steep boat ramps. Also, I live in the midwest (Ohio) where snow is encountered on occasion. My question is, is a limited slip (locking) differential worth the extra money on my new truck purchase? I'm planning on buying a SD SC 4X4 w/ 5.4 engine. Other than the extra cost, are there any drawbacks to limited slip?
Any advice on this matter would be much appreciated.
Any advice on this matter would be much appreciated.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
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From: Brentwood,CA
well a limited slip is not the same as a locking diff. it sends more power to the wheel that is not slipping which limits the slip to the other wheel. for your use i would go for it its a nice towing upgrade.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
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From: Brentwood,CA
the drawbacks are mostly problems with people who have never driven a truck with a lsd. once you get a feel for it it becomes your best friend. in wet weather going around a turn if you give it to much gas the truck could spin in a circle(i've done it but i caught it before it got out of hand) other than that there is no drawbacks only +'s .
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: MI
Originally Posted by dgludwig
I use my truck mostly for light-duty hauling(16'boat/trailer) and hunting/fishing trips involving some off-road travels and steep boat ramps.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
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From: Brentwood,CA
oh yes isn't that fun. i did that in my truck the 75' .it is only 2wd and a open rear the boat pulled me back into the water. i had water up to my doors after that i won't launch or recover a boat without lsd.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Dryden ON.
Is it only me, that finds the LSD's in the fords are {weak} they just don't work Like my, dare I say (chevy) did. I'm thinking lockers. Do they make em for the big Danas??
Last edited by captchas; Aug 28, 2005 at 06:26 AM. Reason: changed borderline wording
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Joined: Dec 2004
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yeah they do, hopnestly i dotn know much about these things but ive scene the elockers and and arbs for most that ford have
i heard from some mechanics (ford junkies) that the lsd on fords arent that great because of there based on a pressure clutch type deal and it breaks away under heavy load which defeats the purpose, but arent to bad for normal light work
i heard from some mechanics (ford junkies) that the lsd on fords arent that great because of there based on a pressure clutch type deal and it breaks away under heavy load which defeats the purpose, but arent to bad for normal light work
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Joined: Nov 2004
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From: north west new jersey
this is the reason i use a 4x4 with a LS and esof. "or locking the manual hubs before the ramp" when towing a boat. slick ramps.
the stock ls is fine for every day and now and then towing to a ramp. for the hd off road men, yes i agree with going for a stronger locker type rear carrier unit.
i incounter a lot of slick ramps towing to the shore. esp. at low tide.and even with just a stock LS have never been stuck on one. "even when i was a fool and backed the trailer over the ramp edge". it's like, it can't hurt to have it. better then a plain jane open unit
the stock ls is fine for every day and now and then towing to a ramp. for the hd off road men, yes i agree with going for a stronger locker type rear carrier unit.
i incounter a lot of slick ramps towing to the shore. esp. at low tide.and even with just a stock LS have never been stuck on one. "even when i was a fool and backed the trailer over the ramp edge". it's like, it can't hurt to have it. better then a plain jane open unit
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Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Phenix City, AL
AN LSD would do you just fine for the driving you state. Getting a full locker is more helpful if you plan on mudding or use it in situations that may have a wheel off the ground. With both wheels in contact and the conditions you state, go with the LSD, it's worth every penny. LSD is the way to go when towing, ESPECIALLY a boat.
The problem with the Ford LSD is that it's a clutch type LSD (i.e. use plates), and does not necessarily grab if one wheel has significantly more traction than the other wheel. You may have to tap the brakes to get enough resistance to get teh other tire to engage. Also, if you do happend to do a one wheel wonder, you can pretty much write the LSD off and look at rebuilding it, in a worst case scenario.
The other types (aftermarket) use a ramp and ball setup or they use helical gears (detroit trutrac). The better one to get, IMO, is the Trutrac. Nothing to wear and it will definitely engage. Plus you can set it for different bias from side to side, i.e. more or less differentiation between wheels. Also no maintenace and no special fluids. BUT, it is more expensive, approx $500. Then you have to do the install, looking at another $200 - $300 for this.
For $300, the Ford LSD isn't a bad option to have.
The problem with the Ford LSD is that it's a clutch type LSD (i.e. use plates), and does not necessarily grab if one wheel has significantly more traction than the other wheel. You may have to tap the brakes to get enough resistance to get teh other tire to engage. Also, if you do happend to do a one wheel wonder, you can pretty much write the LSD off and look at rebuilding it, in a worst case scenario.
The other types (aftermarket) use a ramp and ball setup or they use helical gears (detroit trutrac). The better one to get, IMO, is the Trutrac. Nothing to wear and it will definitely engage. Plus you can set it for different bias from side to side, i.e. more or less differentiation between wheels. Also no maintenace and no special fluids. BUT, it is more expensive, approx $500. Then you have to do the install, looking at another $200 - $300 for this.
For $300, the Ford LSD isn't a bad option to have.
Last edited by BFR250SD; Aug 28, 2005 at 08:03 AM.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Gilbert, Arizona
I must say I would get the LSD not that much more money. If I was you I would not get the 5.4 I would get the 6.8. I have both the 5.4 in my Expo and the 6.8 in my F250 and for my money I would get the 6.8 in the Expo if I could. The F250 is a lot of truck for just a 5.4 and the gas milage is not that much different.
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Thanks guys for all the helpful imputs. Guess I'll spring for the limited slip so that I can make it up those slippery ramps without burning up my tires!
Talked with a friend yesterday who stated that he'd rather have 2WD with limited-slip than 4WD without it. Sounded kind of radical to me but then I'm the one asking the questions...
Talked with a friend yesterday who stated that he'd rather have 2WD with limited-slip than 4WD without it. Sounded kind of radical to me but then I'm the one asking the questions...
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Phenix City, AL
Originally Posted by dgludwig
Talked with a friend yesterday who stated that he'd rather have 2WD with limited-slip than 4WD without it. Sounded kind of radical to me but then I'm the one asking the questions...
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Long Island USA
The only bad thing is the increased rear-tire wear everytime you make a tight right or left turn ... 
My stock Sterling rear has the LS in it, and the other day I was doing the rear brakes. It took only about 50 ft/lbs of torque to "break away"...
The Auburn LS I put in my '96 t-bird (8.8" rear) has more than 160ft/lbs of "break away" torque... that's a huge difference.
I got my truck off the dealer's lot - it already had the LS in it. But, I probably would have opted to NOT get the LS if I ordered the truck, and instead put an Auburn in it.
I have not found any use for the stock LS yet, except for leaving TWO big black marks with my V10 - in other words, the stock LS is almost useless in very slippery conditions. You need to "feather" the parking brake to get the thing to lockup...
art k.
My stock Sterling rear has the LS in it, and the other day I was doing the rear brakes. It took only about 50 ft/lbs of torque to "break away"...
The Auburn LS I put in my '96 t-bird (8.8" rear) has more than 160ft/lbs of "break away" torque... that's a huge difference.
I got my truck off the dealer's lot - it already had the LS in it. But, I probably would have opted to NOT get the LS if I ordered the truck, and instead put an Auburn in it.
I have not found any use for the stock LS yet, except for leaving TWO big black marks with my V10
- in other words, the stock LS is almost useless in very slippery conditions. You need to "feather" the parking brake to get the thing to lockup...art k.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Eccles, WV
Trac Lok setup
I have had the tracloc in several vehicles. Order the option, but make sure that you "Take it out" before the warranty goes. Then snuggle up to your local ford mechanic 
during the warranty claim, pass him about $50.00 and have him install a few extra clutches and disk into it. In other words, set it to NASCAR setup (Breakaway at 170 pounds). You will love the difference. Just got to watch it on slick roads.
I had this setup in my 85 4X4. Light rain, asphalt, in 4WD, able to powerslide around the turns, freaked the old man right out!! Drive with the gas pedal instead of the steering wheel.
during the warranty claim, pass him about $50.00 and have him install a few extra clutches and disk into it. In other words, set it to NASCAR setup (Breakaway at 170 pounds). You will love the difference. Just got to watch it on slick roads. I had this setup in my 85 4X4. Light rain, asphalt, in 4WD, able to powerslide around the turns, freaked the old man right out!! Drive with the gas pedal instead of the steering wheel.