Adding limited slip?
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 328
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From: Indianapolis, IN
Adding limited slip?
I have a 2000 F-150 with 8.8" gears and a 3.55 ratio, non-limited slip. I was wondering what all would be involved in making it limited slip? What all would need to be replaced and how much am I looking at for parts? Also is it worth making it limited slip and keeping it 3.55 or would it be more benefitial to make it limited slip and get a higher ratio (such as a 4.10)? The 3.55 does fine for what I use my truck for (daily driver, very very rare hauling).
Any and all input would be greatly appreciated. Even if you want to call me an idiot, feel free.
Any and all input would be greatly appreciated. Even if you want to call me an idiot, feel free.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 629
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I went from 3.31 to 4.10 in my Expy. Street-sized tires (285-60R18).
Huge difference...for the better. Second best mod I ever did, right after the supercharger.
If you want to put new gears in, I'd do 4.10s or keep what you have. The change to 3.73 isn't significant enough (that's the only ratio that's in-between what you have & 4.10).
You can add LSD to your factory rear-end.
If you are thinking about re-gearing, I'd do everything at once so you save a little bit on labor.
I know lots of guys who put 4.10s into their F150s, Expeditions & Lightnings w/street-sized tires. These trucks range from stock to highly modified, everyone I know loves the change and I personally don't know of anyone who's regretted it.
(Guys with large off-road tires get even shorter rear-end ratios, like 4.56 or 4.88 or even shorter)
Huge difference...for the better. Second best mod I ever did, right after the supercharger.
If you want to put new gears in, I'd do 4.10s or keep what you have. The change to 3.73 isn't significant enough (that's the only ratio that's in-between what you have & 4.10).
You can add LSD to your factory rear-end.
If you are thinking about re-gearing, I'd do everything at once so you save a little bit on labor.
I know lots of guys who put 4.10s into their F150s, Expeditions & Lightnings w/street-sized tires. These trucks range from stock to highly modified, everyone I know loves the change and I personally don't know of anyone who's regretted it.
(Guys with large off-road tires get even shorter rear-end ratios, like 4.56 or 4.88 or even shorter)
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2006
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Originally Posted by Munky
What would I have to replace to make it limited slip?
You have it or you don't, so it's just a matter of installing the LSD unit into your differential.
You'll have to replace your diff fluid because it will all fall out when you take the cover off, but as far as parts goes it just gets installed.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Indianapolis, IN
Awesome thanks again! I'll search around town to find it and see if it's something I'm comfortable doing my own or if I'll have a local shop do it. How much does the part usually cost?
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,182
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From: Saint Augustine, FL
Cost depends on the unit you choose. From about $350 for a cheap locker to $1500 for a quaiffe. Most LSDs are simple clutch type units made by Eaton or Richmond. These work fine for most apps and can be bought for $600 to $1000.
Its easy to install an LSD, you only have to pull the cover, remove the axle retainers and pull the axles out a few inches to clear the carrier. Then remove the carrier retainers and pull the diff carrier out. Then swap the ring gear to the LSD carrier (or install the locker in the OE carrier) and put everything back in. Be sure to properly torque the carrier retaining bolts.
Before you go swapping gears around check to see what the rpm change will be at cruise and then drive the truck in 3rd gear at that rpm and see if you are going to be happy with that.
From a 3.55 to a 4.10 *is* indeed a big change. Most likely 3.73 is the shortest gear ford put in that truck.
I went from a 3.31 to a 3.55 in my van and wouldn't want anything any shorter.
Steve
'95 Clubwagon XLT
Its easy to install an LSD, you only have to pull the cover, remove the axle retainers and pull the axles out a few inches to clear the carrier. Then remove the carrier retainers and pull the diff carrier out. Then swap the ring gear to the LSD carrier (or install the locker in the OE carrier) and put everything back in. Be sure to properly torque the carrier retaining bolts.
Before you go swapping gears around check to see what the rpm change will be at cruise and then drive the truck in 3rd gear at that rpm and see if you are going to be happy with that.
From a 3.55 to a 4.10 *is* indeed a big change. Most likely 3.73 is the shortest gear ford put in that truck.
I went from a 3.31 to a 3.55 in my van and wouldn't want anything any shorter.
Steve
'95 Clubwagon XLT
