Most of the 4x2 on my local dealer lots have regular axles. I was hoping to get something with a locking differential just because I am not getting 4x4 I figured that a locking differential will be better than a open one.

This got me thinking about the new "spin control" I have been reading about.

So are these open/regular differentials much better than when there wasn't spin control?

What is the difference between spin control and traction control?

I would rather not have to order one and I want to buy one off the lot. I just a truck that will get decent traction in light snow and mild off road (grass, dirt roads, gravel roads)

 

You could always have a locker or Limited Slip installed aftermarket if you cant find one on the lot.

 

Thats true.


So I have been looking at thie "one wheel spin control" feature. It seem to be apply the brake to the spinning wheel and this will force the torque to the other wheel. Isn't this just traction control?? I know most traction controls (from my understanding) apply the brakes AND cut engine power. So this "spin control" only cuts brakes so it should be superior to a typical traction control system.

 

The limited slip diffirential, axle, whatever it is referred to as is somewhat obsolete with the new anti lock, anti trailer sway computer actuated braking systems. What it is supposed to do and most likely does is add some brake to the spinning wheel.

It is interesting reading the section in the manual about the e lock axle. It disengages itself if the speed is over 45 mph (memory check for yourself). Since the locking axles I am/was familiar with were on utility tractors where you were supposed to have the lever pushed down before actually needed it is interesting reading. Depending on the situation, and I haven't used it much wheel hop which seems the same going forward or backward can be the limiting factor and turning the **** really won't help you make up a loose slope empty in my instance.

The 2000 model f150 I had before the new one I used firestone winterforce tires. They get terrible reviews if you search on line but they held up real good on the 2000 (16 inch rims). I got some for this new f150 the first day but these made in indonesia (hey the thing comes with made in korea tires) ones at 9500 miles don't seem to be doing as well. With all the tv ads about getting tires from ford I spent a fair amount of time with the service manager playing with his computer saying you want real noisy tires that wear real fast or all season. At least for my tires instead of 235/75 17 you get 245/70 17 and can get snow or mud and snow tires though I had to get tires elsewhere. These new sensors for low tire pressure give an excuse for an extra fee to swithc tires on rims which wasn't charged when only one day old.

 

I am thinking that one wheel spin control is similar to toyota's Auto LSD. On my 2007 4runner, it has traction control which uses brakes and cuts engine power. I also have a button that says Auto LSD. When I use Auto LSD, it uses brakes only to and doesn't cut engine power. The manual says to use only in really slippery situations like mud or deep snow.

I was on a steep snow covered hill one time. I was moving up it ok with just traction control. I then decided to come to a stop. I couldn't move forward when I tried to go. I then turned the auto lsd on. Slowly I started moving foward.

 

I have found that my anti-spin control works fairly well when the traction control is turned OFF. to test it out I put my truck in a weird, flexxed out scenario where the right rear tire was just ever so slightly touching, and I was on gravel/grass. with trac left ON, it was a one wheel peel and went no where. but surprisingly when I turned trac OFF I was able to drive up into the field. it wasnt a direct transfer of power like with a true locker, there was a little bit of wheel spin, but you could hear the ABS pump going crazy and slowly but surely it allowed the left rear tire to creep me up into the field.

when I bought my truck I desperately wanted some sort of lim. slip rear end stictly for snow since I was only buying 2wd. but like you the only thing available on dealer lots was an open diff. after a week of thinking about it and reading about the anti-spin conrol I decided that it was worth a shot. there were other options that were more important to me (like select shift) if it really was crap, I could always add a lim. slip after the fact. working for ford the lim slip assy was around 300-350 my cost if I remember correctly plus other misc parts so I figured it wasnt a huge ordeal price wise. I will with-hold my true opinion of the anti-spin until I have it in the snow. but so far I am fairly impressed for a brake controlled system.

 

Thanks for the info.

Sounds like one wheel spin control is all I need.

 

the thread the vids came from: https://www.f150forum.com/f38/one-wh...ontrol-153704/

for the record, the video is not mine, however I believe it does come from a forum member

hopes it helps

 

Not in 4x4 vehicles if 4LO is needed. The wheel slip control feature is deactivated when in 4LO which means you have a completely open differential with out any electronic help. That is where the LSD or E-locker really comes into play. If you don't ever foresee yourself using 4LO then it's no big deal as the wheel slip control will get you out of a lot of situations.

 

I have always had open diff trucks but really wanted LS in this truck because I go to the dunes alot I dont need 4x4 just a little help to get through some of the soft spots to park and unload. I went through a couple dealers before I found mine with the E locker and love it. My 10 was a open diff and sucked I couldnt make it past the 10ft soft spot at the opening of the local dunes no matter the momentum even after I put A/T tires on it. My new truck with the E-Locker goes through it no problems w/ the factory Michelin Highway treads And the 2 wheel smoke shows is alot better than one wheel peel. It has also helped alot when pulling trailers either uphill starts on dirt roads or backing uphill in soft gravel/dirt or grass . I don't buy 4x4 because I don't need it and if I had it I would be out beating the crap out of it offroad.