Why doesn't the front drive axel on a 4X4 with the LS option have the same slip clutch pack in it that the rear does? I was spinning out the other day on some ice, and noted only one side of the front axel turned, while both the rear spun and I have the LS option.

 

One word........Cost!

Also, on ice an LS is not the best thing to have. With the open diff, you at least maintain so sided to side traction. If both are spinning, you have no side to side traction and can result in loss of control.

It is generally not recommended to have LS or locker sin the front for ice / snow use. If you don need a front locker, it's better to have a selectable for a street driven vehicle.

BFR

 

Main reason they don't use LS for front use is steering issues. The steering wheel will tend to point in relation to power applied to the wheels, not real safe for highway use.
They could use a electrac but most companies use them in the rear only for safety. And like BFR said cost issues.



Dick

 

With the auto locking hubs you'd need an air locker, or some other kind of switchable differential or it could cause the hubs to lock and bind even when your not in 4wd. Thats the big reason Ford still offers shift on the fly as an option, not standard equip.. Detroit lockers are great for rear axles! Aside from the initial cost, I'd love to have one, but there's some serious skill needed to set up a diff. gear set PROPERLY, I dont know anybody, or even a shop good enough that I would trust them to do it (gonna cost you BIG money if its done wrong!). Gotta be a sick feeling to spend over $500 on parts, again that on labor and start having problems a month down the road when you know any garage is going to say "not our problem, just get out your check book and we'll try again."

 

Wow, I just re-read my first post. I seriously need spell check. Anyways...

Do some shopping around in your area. If you really want to get gears or locker done, find a good off-road shop. I'm not talking an accessory shop, but a real off-road shop. Ask to see his work! Ask to talk to some folks that he has done work for! If he's good, he won't mind a bit.

The good thing with these truck is you can run with a locker or LS up front and not worry about damage. With the hubs on the SD's the front driveline is not turning when you are in 2WD. This means no extra steering effort under normal conditions. It won't cause binding, there is nothing turning. It's not like an IFS Chevy of Dodge that use the center disconnect system, were the front axles (CV's) are always turning and you can't run a locker or LS without serious drawbacks. The only way to get around that is a selectable and even then I'd be real hesitant about doing it.

But, if you want a LS or Locker up front.......get a selectable. No questions about it. You can do a detroit in back and not be too bad off, but don't run one up front and expect good performance on ice or snow. You'll be able to accelerate faster, but your turning and braking will suffer bad.

BFR