I have a '97 F150 4x4 Offroad. It has a 4.6. Did not have a tow package. My question is, how can I tell if it came with LS?

I on snow/ice my right rear will just spin, no left movement. I have read quite a few postings and it seems like maybe all F150's have a LS. Is it possible mine didn't come with one or maybe mine is defective?

thanks for your replies.

 

not all F150's came with the LS, if youre getting the right rear one legger, about 98% chance you have a standard open diff

 

LS is a separate option from any of the "package" options like the tow package or the off road package..... If you didn't get the LS option, but got either or both of the above, you will only get the OPEN diff.....

Quick way to tell is to look at your door jamb sticker and see what it says under "axle". If it has a letter and a number, then you have LS. If its two numbers, then it's open.....

In my case, mine says H9 which is a 3.55 LS.... If it's 19, then it's a 3.55 open.....

Just do a search for "axle codes" and you'll find one that lists all the various codes that will tell you exactly what gear you have.

Another way to tell is to jack up the rear so that both wheels are off the ground. Put it in neutral and turn the wheels. If they spin in the same direction, it's an LS. If they spin opposit of each other, it's open.

Even with an open diff, you can usually get the other tire to get power if you lightly apply the emergeny brake while the other tire is spinning. This slows down the spinning tire and kinda fools the diff into sending some power to the other wheel..... Won't work every time, but it's worked for me in more cases then not when I had a open diff vehicle!

Good luck!

Mitch

 

Thanks Mitch for your advice

I'll check the truck today when I get home. I'll post tomorrow my findings.

 

Mitch, I looked and of the Axle # is 19.

I guess I don't have a LS dang it! How difficult would it be to upgrade or change to a LS?

 

Hoss,

Well, I know any kind of diff work requires special knowledge and tools.....

The only work I'm willing to do on a diff is pull the cover to drain the lube and I have changed the axle seals, so I have pulled the axles out before, but that's easy compared to pulling the pinion out, which I'm pretty sure you have to do to add a LS or any kind of locking diff.

The cost will mostly be labor if you have it done..... It's really a shame too, because I think it's only a $150.00 option from the factory! Usually only a $100.00 option to get the lower gears (if available) as well.......

I had LS on my old mustang GT and it was cool! Being able to roast both tires at will was a beautiful thing!

I don't do that with the truck, but I'm glad the original owner got that $150.00 option!

Mitch

 

i believe, since our diffs have rear covers, that you can add a limited slip without touching the pinion, depending on what style you get, if you get an add in its a matter of pulling the axle shafts, if you get a full carrier, you will have to mess with the ring and pinion.

 

SoundPer4mance,

Between the two upgrades you mentioned, which one would be cheaper? And which one would be overall the better for quality? I intend to keep this truck for a long time and I don't want to cut corners. I beleive quality IS job one.

I have read quite a few threads on replacing componets in the differential and I know its entailing.

Also, would it be easier to just outright buy a LS and just R&R it?

Thanks again for all comments

 

honestly i dont know if they offer carriers with LS in them right now for our trucks.

to do it right, i would get an add in LS or locker from Eaton, Detroit, Auburn, No-Slip

check with them and call their tech departments to see how hard the install is. ive only got first hand experience with a ford 9 inch, which is COMPLETELY different, but ive done research on the 8.8 in the past, and as far as i can tell it should be do-able in 2 hours with a buddy in your driveway.

 

I just picked up a trak-lok, which is the Ford LS. I got it from my local motorsport dealer for $229.00.
part # M4204 F318 31 spline trak lok for an 8.8

 

wow thats a good price!! have you installed it yet?? there are some good articles on the ranger boards that describe how to install the LS in an 8.8

now all i gotta do is find an LS for my 9.75..

 

Hopefully the LS and a 4.10 gear is going in this weekend if I have time.

 

are you changing the gears too?? are you doing the work yourself, or having someone else do it? ring and pinion is no easy task... let us know how it turns out!!

 

A friend of mine that is a mechanic is going to help out with the intall. I will let you know the results

 

Yes please post how your install goes. and if possible post some pics too! Good luck