4x4 Limited slip diff option - back only or front and back?
08-23-2008, 12:28 PM
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4x4 Limited slip diff option - back only or front and back?
Does anyone know if the '08 F150 4x4's factory limited slip differential option is rear diff only or does it apply to both front and back diffs?
Last edited by rndgen; 08-23-2008 at 12:32 PM. Reason: clarification
08-23-2008, 04:02 PM
#4
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No it will not affect turning that is why the are called limited slip differentials. But you do not want such an axle up front. The first model of the IH Scout had such a setup.
They only had a 4 cylinder engine they where great on level ground in a straight line but if you try going cross country things get real interesting. The problem with such a setup is steering, but not what you where wondering. If you have both of the front wheels spinning you can't steer it in any direction, and if you are working across a hill if all four wheel loose traction and start to spin you will just slide down the hill, you hope to god your wheels don't catch on something and you roll the thing. With only one wheel spinning up front the wheel that is not slipping will tend to anchor the truck in place so at least you have some control. The Scout was not so bad because it did not have enough power to get you into much trouble, but those souls that dropping V8's into these little short wheel based beasts things got impossible.
They only had a 4 cylinder engine they where great on level ground in a straight line but if you try going cross country things get real interesting. The problem with such a setup is steering, but not what you where wondering. If you have both of the front wheels spinning you can't steer it in any direction, and if you are working across a hill if all four wheel loose traction and start to spin you will just slide down the hill, you hope to god your wheels don't catch on something and you roll the thing. With only one wheel spinning up front the wheel that is not slipping will tend to anchor the truck in place so at least you have some control. The Scout was not so bad because it did not have enough power to get you into much trouble, but those souls that dropping V8's into these little short wheel based beasts things got impossible.
Last edited by transmaster; 08-23-2008 at 04:17 PM.
08-24-2008, 08:19 PM
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Thanks for the replies. I'm concerned about using the factory spare to limp home. If I use the factory spare on the back axle, I'd probably burn up the limited slip diff because that would mean one 35" tire and one 31" tire (the spare) on the same axle. Might work for getting around the block, but would burn up the limited slip diff on a 50 mile ride back from the wilderness.
I suppose when in a pinch, I could swap a good front tire with the flat back tire, then put the spare on the front. Probably wouldn't track straight, but I wouldn't expect any permanent damage. Looks like a best option is a full size (35") spare. Too bad that won't fit under the truck bed like the factory spare.
I suppose when in a pinch, I could swap a good front tire with the flat back tire, then put the spare on the front. Probably wouldn't track straight, but I wouldn't expect any permanent damage. Looks like a best option is a full size (35") spare. Too bad that won't fit under the truck bed like the factory spare.
08-25-2008, 11:26 PM
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it will fit under there with a slight mod to the brackets,i have "adjusted" the brackets on 2 now and a 35" tire will just fit.plasma cut or sawsall or whatever and bolt it up with a new support(home made) with rubber from an old tire sidewall so it wont scrub your spare.you can make it look stock and function,just about the stress on that little cable.i have done this with full knowledge to the owners with no guarantee, but so far so good.
