Limited slip

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Jan 28, 2006 | 10:01 AM

260falcon

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Limited slip

Is there a way to see if a rear end has Limited slip without tearing it apart? It is in a car from the mid 60's Looks like a 9"
Thanks

Jan 28, 2006 | 10:30 AM

DaveBowman

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Yes, you can jack one tire off the ground and with the transmission in park see if you are able to turn that tire with little effort. If it spins easilly its not a limited slip axle. If you are not able to turn it, or it takes a lot of force to do so its probably a limited slip.

Jan 28, 2006 | 10:41 AM

fordraceboy

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unless.... it's a clutch style limited slip and the clutches are worn a bit and don't have a lot of friction when its cold.. take it for a good long drive and maybe light the tires a bit to make sure everythings hot inside, then try the jack test.. jmo

Jan 28, 2006 | 12:19 PM

ATC Crazy

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From: SW VA

Jack up both rear tires, tranny in neutral, and spin one tire by hand. If the other tire turns in the same direction, its a LS. If the other tire turns in the opposite direction, its an open diff.

Jan 28, 2006 | 12:38 PM

76 F-150 390FE

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From: the side of a mountain

you can also look for the tag on one of the bolts for the 3rd member. the 1st numbers on the bottom row will be the gear ratio. 3 50 is 3.50:1 open and 3L50 is 3.50:1 limited slip.

Jan 29, 2006 | 12:14 AM

Uglyhat

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From: Klamath Falls, Orygun

What ATC Crazy sez is how I was told you could tell ... but ... what I've done to tell if my own LS is working properly is break traction on some sort of low friction surface - gravel or grass works. If I get spin on both wheels I figure it's OK. Ex-wife's front yard is a perfect place for this.

Jan 29, 2006 | 10:20 AM

DaveBowman

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Uglyhat

My F450 doesn't have a LS rear and it usually spins both rear tires in the grass or slick mud, so this really isn't the best way to tell.
And its sven possible to have a limited slip axle and only get one tire spinning on a low froction surface such as mud or wet grass (especially with an old, high milage axle) because the clutch pack might not be loaded enoufgh to turn both tires togethar.