Just wondering how common a LSD was in the Broncos. My has 3L55 on the axle and H9 axle code. Did I luck out finding a LSD??

 

In older models the LS is a bit harder to find in an OEM unit but later years it became more common as people began to prefer them over the open diff.

 

IMOP better off without, factory LS is junk.

It was a option, so depends on dealer or buyer to order it.

My 80 has factory front/rear LS

 

Really, and why do you say that?

My Mustang has factory LS and I have never had any problems with it. They are both 8.8 rears, so they should be the same LS. In fact my pinion bearings went out on the Mustang before the LS.

So I'm just wondering why the factory LS is junk?

 

They aren't bad for street use or light offroading.Not so good for hardcore offroading.

 

LS are never much good for serious off-road use no matter WHO makes them. Locking the axle is always preferred in precarious off-road situations over an LS.

And if the OEM LS was such junk, why did the demand for them incite Yukon Gear to buy the tooling rights so they could continue to make it several years ago? (Yes, the Yukon LS for those applications is the same unit that came in the Broncos and F-series from the factory). But don't take my word for it, just ask Yukon.

 

Good GOD, why do you think OEM went to E lockers ???

Have you ever pulled a TTB pumkin ??? not fun just to replace clutchs.

The factory LS is SUPER light duty at best and sucks for snow driving.

Add big tires/lift and it only gets worse from there.


Rather have ARB, E-locker then a factory LS any day. There is TIMES a open diff can save the day.

FYI, I have 2 mustangs and the LS sucks azz also. Ever drive a stang in the snow in the city ??? I have and going staight from a stop is impossible at best.


From 30 yrs mechanic's opinion


Just sayin.........

 

To answer your questions.

Clutchs are cheap to replace/rebuild and SLIP vs break somthing. Also less noise or notice to the driver. most wife don't like the Detriot locker jerking.
Takes getting used to a locker...................


You can drive a leaking locker, a leaking LS is asking for a brokein carrier.


Just sayin

 

My Bronco is a daily driver, and a long range cruising/light towing vehicle. I go offroad now and then, but not much risk in where I go, I can't afford to hurt the truck. I had a locker in the back, but I swapped it for an open. The locker was barking the 35" tires on every low speed turn, and I didn't want to tear up the tires. If I was going offroad in a serious way, I'd definitely keep the locker. Though in my case, I plan to get a LSD to help me in the snow. A locker up front would be nice, though! (looking)

 

Well I don't do any serious off roading. So I'm sure the stock LS will do me just fine. I have no plans on putting large tires or a lift on my Bronco, so another problem that is not an issue for me.

I think most everybody here is talking LS for the rear diff, not the TTB. Yes I know they were available but come on, that just seems to be stretching it. So far, IMHO, you haven't given any reason to say the stock LS is junk. It may not be the best option in certain situations, but that does not mean it is junk.

As to driving my Mustang in the snow in the city. No on both. I live out in the country and I don't drive my Mustang in the snow. Some of the snow we have in the mountains the Mustang would never get through, LS or not. That is why I have 4X4 trucks. Besides I can't get the Mustang out of the driveway in the snow. If there is more than a little bit of snow all the Mustang does is spin the tires. I am sure it would do better if it had some all season/snow type tires, but I have performance tires on her and they just suck in the snow.

As to the Mustang's LS, I can't say that I have babied the car, haven't abused the crap out of it either, but the LS has held its own.

Again it may not be the best option for a particular type of driving, but not junk.

 

Nope after 30 yrs, its still junk.

So much junk that I would NEVER, EVER rebuild one in a TTB front.

Yes, its a option, Yes i have a stock one in my Bronco.

So have fun, just as well get a Aubrun cone style which is better.

U STILL don't get why a locker/LS sucks in the snow with so HP and crowned roads.

 

All my trucks have come with a rear LSD and personally I love it.. though I did restack the clutches for more bite. It's been over 10 years since I touched the rear axle on the current truck too and it's still quiet, smooth, and shows no signs of wear.

 

How good are these:
Detroit Truetrac Limited Slip Dana Differential Axle

 

I never said they were ideal and the initial comment was that a locker was preferred anyway. But lets be realistic about the average driver's ability to handle a locker over an LS or open diff. For an OEM application, the LS was the best Ford could safely offer without fielding tons of complaints about noise (ratcheting locker mechanisms) and squirrelly response on wet or icy roads. If you drive a locker all the time, you know what to expect and it is ANYTHING but what you are used to if you have always driven open differential vehicles.

And by the way, they went to the E-locker because the technology is now available to control it much more seamlessly than in the past. Remember when the electronics in a vehicle consisted of switches, light bulbs, a starter and an alternator? Yeah, just a wee bit more technology in there these days. Had the e-locker AND the ability to better control when it engages been around years ago, it would have been employed.

They have stopped using camshafts that wear down and don't control valve timing as well too... because the technology now exists to control valve timing more efficiently through other means.

 

Pro3qtr, I'm not sure I understand your argument. You say they are junk and then you say you cant go straight from a stop sign in the stang. If you cant go straight, that means it's working.

Now I have to say I dont have much use for the factory LS because I wore the clutches out quickly. (twice in a year) But I have never run anything smaller than 35's. So maybe thats too hard on them. I heard of "restacking" the clutches too late. (allready changed to lockers) Maybe that would have solved my problems.

In any case, I would not say it's worse than open because after the clutches are shot, it is open.

Thunder, I think that Tru-trac is promising. I dont really have much bad to say about my Powertrax locker. But I kind of like an occasional chearp from the tires on a turn. If I had to complain, it would be on the highway after flooring it to get to speed, the truck swerves when I let off the gas. Not sure if this is the locker.