Please help! I am looking to purchase an F150 XLT Screw and really, really trying to convince myself I do not need 4x4. I really like that sticker on the side of the truck but live in FL and just no decent off-roading to be done here. I currently have a Jeep 4x4 and just never use it except for occasional beach driving, which I'm sure will be banned soon anyway so trying to save the few thousand on the 4x4 option not to mention the mpg savings.

My main concern is I tow my 21' boat to the ramp a couple times per month and worried about rear wheel slipping on the boat ramp. dealer says e-locking diff option would solve that concern any I agree just can't find one on the lot with it installed so did a little research and here's my question:

Do all RWD F150's come standard with some form of slip control that causes both rear wheels to spin if one starts slipping? If they do then I don't think I need to consider adding limited slip or an e-locker.

 

No they don't come standard with a limited slip differential. It'll cost you extra money. Does Ford still offer a 3.55 LS? That might be your best bet if you don't want 4wd.

 

Thanks. The more I research the more confused I get. Looks to me like "TCS" (standard on all), "LSD" (optional), "1 Wheel Slip Control" (same as TCS??) descriptions in the owners manuals of both 2010/2011 only act to SLOW the wheel thats slipping, either through a brake or clutch. I want the other wheel to SPIN if needed, which obviouls can be accomplished through an e-locker.

Am I understanding these other systems correctly?

I just need one wheel to spin if the other slips on the ramp. What are my options other than 4x4 or e-locker or do standard features already make this happen?

Dealer gives me different answers each time.

 

Option would be wider tires..little more rubber on the ground for traction in that senario of the boat ramp. I have 305 40 22's...they hook up good on wet surfaces

 

Just get a limited slip diff.

 

Yeah, if you're not going with 4wd, get the LSD. A locker would be hard on your truck in a city, unless you went with an air locker or something, the LSD would be your best bet.

 

My 2004 had a 3.55 LS 4x2 . hauling a searay 23 with a 454. No problemo pulling it out of the water on hard surfac boat ramp. But I would say e-locker or LS you can`t go wrong...

 

Dealer has a few options on the lot with elocker. I wouldn't have the locker engaged unless I was pulling the boat up the ramp... and then disengaged or essentially open diff the other 99.99999999% of the time. Would just having the controllable locker installed on the vehicle be hard on the truck? Sorry if this is a dumb question just want to be sure about this.

I'm not even clear if LSD is even an option anymore on the 3.5L... looks like e-locker might be the only option for 2012. Fine with me. Just wanne be sure it's not gonn kill mpg or be tough on truck in any way.

 

shouldn't be unless you leave it locked in on dry pavement for extended periods.. that'd be bad. If it makes you feel better I have a 94 2wd 4.9l 3.55 open diff and I do tons o' boat towing ramps and everything. No real issues.

 

Yeah it does - thanks. I might be putting way too much thought into this. Just trying to figure it all out before next big purchase. Wierd about 4x4... something feels good just about having it, but makes no sense for what I'm gonna use the truck for. I might put a "4x4" sticker on the back-sides just for psycological purposes.