limited slip
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 90
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the 09' has an electronic locker that when the switch is put in 4X4 it sends signal to the rearend to lock the differential so both tires get power at all times. the only down side to that is it can make it hard to steer sometimes, but it's nice to have the extra traction.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7,698
Likes: 4
From: Neenah, Wisconsin
Just a clairification...it doesn't actually lock in the second wheel....it attempts to limit that slippage through a set of clutches in the differential, but if there is not adaquate torque the wheel with the least amount of traction will still slip.....a locker is very different as it will actually LOCK the wheels together.....Limited slips work well on wet pavement, but once your on ice or in mud they wont' do much for ya....
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 306
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Here are some explanations;
Open differential
HowStuffWorks "Open Differentials"
Limited slip (clutch type like an F150 might have)
HowStuffWorks "Clutch-type Limited Slip Differential"
Locking differential
HowStuffWorks "Locking and Torsen"
There are also automatic locking differentials like an Aussie locker
Aussie Lockers: Lockers, aussie lockers, torq-masters technology, automatic positive locking differentials, automatic precision locker differentials, off road, off-road
Basically, like Ryan said, a limited slip is better than an open differential. But it has it's limitations. Where an open differential will send all the torque to the wheel with least resistance, a limited slip will send most of it's traction to the wheel with the least resistance. But with a limited slip, if one wheel is has no traction (in the air), it will still only spin that tire with no resistance.
A locker, when engaged, would drive both wheels at the exact same speed. A locker is preferred offroading for maximum traction.
Open differential
HowStuffWorks "Open Differentials"
Limited slip (clutch type like an F150 might have)
HowStuffWorks "Clutch-type Limited Slip Differential"
Locking differential
HowStuffWorks "Locking and Torsen"
There are also automatic locking differentials like an Aussie locker
Aussie Lockers: Lockers, aussie lockers, torq-masters technology, automatic positive locking differentials, automatic precision locker differentials, off road, off-road
Basically, like Ryan said, a limited slip is better than an open differential. But it has it's limitations. Where an open differential will send all the torque to the wheel with least resistance, a limited slip will send most of it's traction to the wheel with the least resistance. But with a limited slip, if one wheel is has no traction (in the air), it will still only spin that tire with no resistance.
A locker, when engaged, would drive both wheels at the exact same speed. A locker is preferred offroading for maximum traction.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7,698
Likes: 4
From: Neenah, Wisconsin
That said...i really wish ford would offer a locker in every model...i'd have gotten it....my limited slip is annoying on ice...as its almost as bad as an open diff...i've been considering pulling it appart and seeing if I can slip an extra clutch disk in to tighten it up like you could do on the old 8.8's
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 306
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That said...i really wish ford would offer a locker in every model...i'd have gotten it....my limited slip is annoying on ice...as its almost as bad as an open diff...i've been considering pulling it appart and seeing if I can slip an extra clutch disk in to tighten it up like you could do on the old 8.8's
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7,698
Likes: 4
From: Neenah, Wisconsin
OK OK....maybe they're not as bad as an open diff.....but i miss my 95 every winter as it would make it around in 2wd better than my 07 in 4wd...LOL....so maybe it wouldn't ride as well....but it still was better in snow
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 324
Likes: 0
From: Southern USA
talking about open/LS diffs, could someone tell me what #11 is in the following diagram, from one the FTE sponsors: #11 points to the side gear and another part, can't tell what it is. I know its a generic pic, but still curios.
Bob Utter Genuine Ford Parts www.bobutterfordparts.com
Bob Utter Genuine Ford Parts www.bobutterfordparts.com
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 324
Likes: 0
From: Southern USA
thanks...how about the 975? mine doesn't have that spring. (05 XLT scab) ....I was wondering what kept tension against the clutch discs....I can see the clutch packs,,, this one has 4 discs per side w/the 2 tangs. Does the 2 spider gears hold force against the side gears? They are all tight, but the cross pin is free to move up and down just a little. How would you pull a c- clip w/out everything coming apart, unless theres a special tool to use? Maybe 8.8 only has this spring? thanks..paul
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
Not to highjack but I don't know much about limited slip diff. or lockers... I know they greatly improve traction though and with my truck being 2wd traction is always good. Are lockers or limited slips worth the money? Where is a good place to get the setup for it?