dmz01

As xdrockstar proves, an LS can also be dangerous in the snow. Both e-lock and LS require at least some rudimentary knowledge on how they work and when they don't.

To xdrockstar, LS transfers a percentage of torque from one wheel to the other depending on traction. For example if you have 5x as much traction on one side as you do on the other it will send 5x as much torque to that side. But if you have zero traction on one side then 5 x 0 = 0 so you will get zero torque sent to the other wheel and you will be spinning that first wheel. The idea with LS is to limit your lead foot and apply throttle gently. Because as long as you don't spin but have very little traction on one wheel, the other wheel can get a lot more torque and get you moving.

HankHill

Funny how these things work. I always thought limited slip meant A limited amount of slip was allowed until the wheel with zero traction locked up giving a positrac or e-locker condition. Also thought the limited slip had clucthes to allow just enough slippage for turning as opposed to positrac.

p38fln

That's how a GM auto locker works - but the Ford limited slip won't work if one wheel truly has zero traction, it will just free spin that one wheel. They work ok in snow, though.

mrpositraction

That is why you apply some brake if one tire has zero traction (like in the air).

bb37

Doesn't the traction control do that for you?

EricTheOracle

With Ford's LS, the clutch is normally putting pressure on both axles. One wheel slips when the clutch pressure is overwhelmed.
You can see the Ford work in this traction test.

mawalley

Since this has gotten off topic a bit, I'll see what I can do to bring it back...

Reliability - I have a 1999 F150 XLT SuperCab with 4.6 and automatic transmission. Daily driver for work, plus weekend tow/hauler (fishing boat). I purchased the truck new in 1999 with 15 miles on it. It now has 275,000 miles with no engine or transmission issues. The only parts I have replaced are an alternator at 150000 miles and a heater core at 170000 miles. All others were scheduled maintenance items - belts, hoses, fluids, brakes, filters, etc. I don't want to perform another tune up on this truck, as it's a pain, but I see no reason at this point to expect the truck to fail before I go another 100,000 miles. It has a high-flow muffler, K & N air filter, modified intake, and I just got an Edge Evolution CTS power programmer for it (for mileage, not for racing). This truck has been rock solid, and I will definitely be getting another Ford when this one finally dies or gets passed down. I have promised this one to my oldest child - the truck will be 20 years old when she gets her license to drive.

oferkeshet

... for bringing the discussion back on track.

It's very good to see stories of such a reliable specific vehicle.
The only thing that still worries me is the question of Ford's quality control in comparison to those of Toyota/Honda, in the sense of the probability of a lemon exiting the assembly line. That is after all the importance of quality control: to make sure practically all vehicles leave the assembly plant with the same built quality. From the so many issues members of this forum are bringing up, it's still hard to get impressed by the apparent quality control at Ford. The percentage of 4Runner and Pilot long term happy owners out of all forum members there appears to be way higher than the percentage of happy F150 owners. That's the only thing that worries me, since the F150's test drive itself, as much satisfying as it is, is not necessarily an indication of long term reliability.

oldphart

but I have owned Fords for over 50 years now.....was fortunate enough to buy mostly new ones since late 60's..... never had a bad one...... yes, a few have had things break or go bad,........ some from "extra-muscle" that i forced an issue....... but on the whole, I have averaged about 100,000 miles or more on each one and always was pleased with my trucks.... last one was a '98 F-150 XLT w/ (favorite) 4.6 engine...... traded in for 2010 Escape........ missed the truck roominess so much I traded the Escape for a 2011 F-150 Screw XLT w/ 3.7 engine....... and am quite pleased..... put almost 7,000 miles on it in 3 months so far....... once you become a Ford Man.... you will hate to drive anything else......
Welcome to the Blue Oval Fraternity.

mawalley

Oldphart said it best - never had a bad one. I spoke only to my specific experience as a vehicle owner, because this was the first truck I purchased after my college vehicle was no longer viable. That truck was a Toyota 2wd regular cab with a 22R-E and 5-speed. I drove that truck hard for 8 years, and it had 150000 miles on it when I traded up to the Ford.

Based on my experience with the two, I'd rate the reliability of the two as even money (I currently own a 2003 Camry and a 2006 Sienna). However, the quality of construction (QC, materials used, etc.) is FAR greater in the Ford, IMHO.

My father has been a Ford man since he bought his first car (a '69 Mustang). In my immediate family, we've had a 1980 F100 Custom with a 300 cid I-6, 3 Rangers with 4-cylinders and manual transmissions, a 2.4 L 88 model Mustang, a 1998 Mustang V-6, and my father's current Mustang - a 40th anniversary edition with a V-6. Each and every one of the vehicles I knew (excluding the '69 - I don't know what happened to it) lasted well past the 100,000 mile mark. The F100 was my grandfather's truck and was finally retired to junk after 11 years, several wrecks, and 3 different drivers. The '85 Ranger was traded in at 185000 miles to purchase a 1990 Ranger (wrecked by my sister at 150000 miles in 1994). The '88 'stang was sold in 96 at 150000 miles. The '98 Mustang was passed on to my sister, who wrecked it and then traded it in with 180000 miles on it. The Current Ranger (a '94) has 180000 miles on it. The '04 Mustang has 250000 miles on it.

I should also mention that my uncle has 2 late 90s model F150s with over 150000 miles each. I have known of 3 other F150s that were 1998 models that exceeded 200000 miles, one of which was at 375000 miles the last time I saw it. It's generally accepted knowledge among my gearhead and professional mechanic friends that the 1997-2003 F150s were the best trucks ever made due to their longevity. I haven't heard any different regarding the 2004-2010 models, but they haven't been out long enough yet to get the same reputation. In fact, the only negatives I have ever heard about the current and recent model Fords came from Chevrolet and Dodge fanboys, which is not at all surprising.

Sorry, I know this is wordy, but I thought your response deserved a little more detail than my first reply.