Limited Slip vs. Open diff. 4x4
 

So I have a 2000 F-150 2x4 with limited slip differentials. Since the limited slip makes sure I have two wheels giving power at all times in off road conditions(unless I do something really crazy and burn the gears), how is this any different than having a 4x4 with open differentials, assuming they have the same wheel size and tires? Not really planning to go offroading, just wondering about my truck's capabilities.

Well with 4x4 you have a better chance of having either axle in a good traction spot. With 2x4 if your back wheels are both in mud, sand, etc. then you're screwed, while with 4x4 you could still pull with your front axle.

Well a lot of 4x4's have ls diffs too. And with a 2wd you have to push the front tires through everything. Put a set of wheel chocks in front of the front tires. Try to drive over them in 2wd. Chances are you won't. Now put truck in 4wd and it will crawl right over them because the front wheels are powered too

Never get open diff unless its 2011 or newer, they suck balls. New open diff trucks have electronic wheel spin control that kinda acts like LS, plus they have a locker, but I'd rather have mechanical LS unless you are rock crawling and hanging tires, then you want a locker.

^ Hit the nail on the head.

All my previous trucks were open diff 2wd. I do live in Wisconsin and never got stuck anywhere. That being said I always never went where I though I may get stuck.

I have a 2011 open diff 4x4 now and the one wheel spin control is amazing compared to straight open diff. But I also never worry about going around on our hunting anymore. This last year over a foot of snow and I pulled my trailer right where I was cutting wood. Never would have left the turn around in my 2wd.

Haha yea till all 4 wheels are in the mud and u a ****ed

me1234: With regard to your question it depends upon the age and configuration of the 4x4.

In an old 4x4 with open differentials on the front and rear axles AND an open center differential if one wheel is in the air (for example) all the torque will be diverted to that wheel which will spin wildly while the rest of the wheels get no torque.

But the current generation of F150 4x4s don't do this. First, in 4x4 mode the transfer case locks both the front and rear drive shafts to the transmission, so all the engine torque is available to both axles. Thus if both wheels on one axle lose traction torque is still available to the other axle. Beyond that, both front and rear differentials are mechanically open, but if the traction control system detects that one wheel is spinning it will apply the brakes to that wheel forcing the differential on that axle to divert torque to the non-spinning wheel. Thus each axle acts as if it has a mechanical limited slip differential. The net result is that if as few as one of the four wheels has traction torque will still be routed to it. The only caveat is that if a brake gets too hot the torque control system will stop using it until it cools down, so you will temporarily lose the limited slip behavior on that axle.

Thanks guys these are great replies. I had no idea that traction control can cause a fake limited slip. The wheel chock analogy also helped me imagine scenerios where i would need my front wheels. How do you guys think my truck would do in snow(there hasn't been much in my area since I've had the truck). Anyways, I'll make sure if I get a 4x4 in the future it'll have limited slip or a locker.

Put 500lbs in the bed of your 2wd and you'd be surprised how well it can work in the snow with good, skinny tires. Studded tires help on ice big time as well

Thanks, I usually have 400lb of sand in the back on a regular basis :). I'm glad to know this will help.