I'm planning on ordering a 4x4 F150 in the next few months. Unfortunately, I live off-road and on the rare times when it does rain in Central Texas my long, unpaved muddy road can become a problem pretty fast. I also have a few cows and need to drive through some pasture land to get to them at times.

My question regards the durability of Limited Slip differentials. I know they can help quite a bit with traction, and they are not an expensive option to add. I am concerned about how long the differential will last before I need to repair it.

I'm ignorant about such things, I've never owned a 4x4 or limited slip diff. For those who own one...what has your experience been with your differentials? Do I need to plan to replace one after 100K?

Thanks in advance.

Current Truck: 1993 Ranger, 5 spd, 2.3L, SC 4x2. Been stuck once before....took two days to get bailed out by someone elses 4x4......don't want to do it again....

Future Truck: 2000 F150, 4.6L, SC, 4x4, LS?

 

Get the ls. It will be a big help. They are reliable. If they ever wear out you just loose the effectiveness of it. In other words it won't break and leave you stranded.

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1997 4x4 5.4 ORP XLT extended cab Dark Toreador red Westin nerf bars tint HARDER THAN A ROCK AND FASTER THAN A HEART BEAT

 

My first 4x4 was a 78 F100 that had a 3.50 open differential on the rear and LS on the front. All it took was getting stuck once to convince me to upgrade to a LS on the rear. I later upgraded to a 4.10 spool up front and a 4.10 Detroit locker in the rear when I smashed both pumpkins on some rocks in the mountains.

Personally I would opt for a 4x2 with LS than a 4x4 with open diffs.

My 2 cents...


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99 F150 Lariat SC, 5.4, 3.55 LS, Superchipped, K&N filter, Full Window tint, Deep Wedgewood Blue/Gold, Itialian Burl Dash Kit, Factory Steps/Towing Package, Rear Slider, Hard Tonneau by The Edge

 

If you live in Texas and your getting a 4x4, I wouldn't worry about a Ls. Ls makes a 4x4 a true 4x4 by locking all the wheels together. Its a must in a 2wd. but, its a bear on Ice.

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Thanks!

1993 F-150 302/e4od/355 Limited slip. dual exhuast w/o mufflers,2 1/4" pipes with Echo Tips, headers, accel plugs/wires(8.6mm)/rotor/cap, hypertech powermodule,5% dark tint. Alpine cd player and Pioneer speakers. I need to get it Dyno Tested and qtr mile times. And someday Ill get picks!!!!!!!!!

1989 F-150 XLT 4x4 302/aod true duals with turbo mufflers, 30X9.50" wild country tires, 3:55 gears w/LS(want after market LS for front) 3" SuperLift would be nice too!

 

The Trac-Lok will last you as long as the truck does. There is no downside other than initial cost. I wouldn't have a truck without one, unless I popped for a locker. BTW We have ice about 3 months straight here on the south shore of Lake Erie and I'd rather have the lsd and 200# of sand in the bed than an open diff any time.

 

If you ever come across bad ruts in a road or trail, and one front tire and an opposite side rear tire drops into the ruts, there's very little chance of an open diff/non LS getting out. This has happened to me a few times. That one rear tire that's planted on the ground, is all that's needed to get out. The problem I had in this circumstance, is the corners of the box damaging the cab when the frame flexes! I would still say a non LS 4x4 has more capabilities than a LS 4x2.

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'98 F-150 XLT Reg. Cab Flareside 4x4, Black, 5.4l, 3.55LS, tow package, K&N, GTS headlight covers, Alpine changer w/FM mod, Clifford alarm system w/keyless entry & starter disable // Future considerations: 285/75/r16 Mud Terrain BFG's, bed mat, tonneau cover, 4" suspension lift.

 

yes get LS with what ever drive you pick.
If you never go mud driving then 4x2 is plenty with LS. BUT the tires will make the biggest differance. do a search for LS info

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97, 4.6, 3.55LS, Dk red 265/75/16, Leer cap, Rhino bed, rose wood dash kit, CD player, High performance cross drilled rotors

 

I would get the LS. Makes a big difference is weather. I wouldnt get another truck without it.

 

I would get the LS and rather have it than not get it and wishing that you had gotten it.

 

I bought my '97 F150 4x4 off the lot it had LS, (the first one I had with LS) when I ordered my '99 I paid for the option. 'Nuff said???

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99 Lariat S/C 5.4 4x4 Amazon Green/Harvest Gold 3.55/LS K&N Filter Mobil 1

Oshkosh, WI.

 

I ordered 1997 4x4 off road and the the limited slip was not availabe with the package.

I was wondering why? I wish I had it on mine

Is there any way to make it LS now?

Thanks

 

Thought from Canada, L S is the way to go. If you later upgrade to a locker, you will be able to sell your LS quicker than the open dif. In snow or mud you will get comfortable with it. If your land has some dips or you climb out of a ditch, the ones that are barely on the ground will spin and your stuck.
It will never happen with the LS

 

I have LS and would always get it again. I was wondering if anyone knows what maintenance is required? Should the diff fluid be changed at XXK miles? Is a friction modifier required like in the old days?

 

Yea, get it. But don't think it will get you un-stuck. I have it on my 92 Explorer 4x2 and I have been stuck 3 times (in mud never snow or ice). I don't know how many times I would have been stuck with-out it but surly more.

Lub, I changed my lub at 75K and went to synthetic with the friction modifer. My 00 F-150 came from ford with synthetic and the owners manual says it will never need changing unless it get submerged.

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2000 F-150 4x2 XLT Supercab Flairside Toreador Red, 4.2 Auto 3.55 LS axle 255/70R16" Factory CD, Keyless entry, sliding rear window. Slim-Top hard tonneau, K&N, Lund Interceptor, Kleen wheels

 

I have a 1997 4x4 with Off Road and it does have the LS. Wouldn't leave home without it!

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97 F-150 S/C 4x4 ORP XLT 4.6 K&N , Flowmaster, Bosch+4 plugs,MSD 8.5 wires,Superchip.Patriot fiberglass toneau cover, Westin chrome step bars.
Future mods:4" lift,ram air hood,and a supercharger.