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OT: Limited Slip vs conventional rear axle on Ford f-250

R

Ron Weber

Member
OKay, I need your help. Last October, my daughter
was in an accident where the guy hit the 1997 ford
f-250 (old body style) on the rear axle and bent
it.
It was a limited slip with 186,000 miles. Bent it
nearly a 1/2 inch. I found another f-250 rear
axle, same gearing, but this one is conventional.
My truck is an extended cab heavy duty 2wd. I live
in South East Michigan and do deal with snow. Is
there really a big difference between limited slip
and conventional? Can I just swap the internals?
What do you think? By the way, I have some very
aggressive snow ties on the rear.
 
try to find a limited slip..with the xtended cab you will have problems with it in snow or any mud you might have..especially facing down a ditch trying to back out..im surprised the ins didn't replace what you had..just my thoughts from exp with both
 
NOT sure how close the powertrain or ABS 'puters of that year look at what is going on back there, but if they are set up to do so (as they could be in that era) and you swap an "open" diff in there, they are going to be ANGRY and light the powertrain or ABS MIL lamp!

I'd search for a matching rear end.
 
I had a 2WD Chevy which I bought without the locking differential option, then added an aftermarket posi unit. There is NO WAY I will own another pickup without some sort of limited slip differential. Certainly not a 2WD vehicle in Michigan. I get the locking rear differential option even on my four wheel drive vehicles.

I don't think I would swap out the internals from the old rear end. Assuming the LSD is original, it's pretty well shot at 186K. I suggest you take the replacement rear end to a reputable differential shop and have them go through it and install a new LSD. This is going to set you back quite a bit of money on a 3/4 ton, but the rear end will last the remaining life of the vehicle. I highly recommend Drive Train Specialists in Warren. Give them a call, they may have a better idea. Maybe they can overhaul your old LSD (some are repairable, some are not). They will do the work or they will sell you the parts if you decide to do it yourself.
Drive Train Specialists
 
I never want to own a truck with limited slip in the rear again (here in NY) but I live on a steep mountain road. It's fine when in 4WD. But when in 2WD - when one wheel slips and other kicks in - all rear wheels lose footing and the rear of the truck almost spins off the road. With a standard "open" differential - the wheel with the most traction does not spin and keeps the truck ON the road. I also have a F250 with a limited slip rear in northern Michigan - and there it's not a problem. Nor do I need it. All flat land in Presque Isle and Alpena couties. A 4WD truck with an open rear will go anywhere a 4WD with a posi-rear will go - when IN 4WD. Most of the traction comes from the front wheels anyway.
 
Boy, I"ll second that. I"ve always owned a van of some sort and about 30 years ago I bought my first (used) one without limited slip. Even with aggressive snow tires it was almost worthless on even the most minor incline. Put in a used limited slip differential and everything was fine again.
 
Ron,
I don't know the answer to your question, but I'll never be without a limited slip differental. I only have 2 wheel drive and in the snow limited slip is the only way to go.
George
 
A RWD pick up truck needs a limited slip rear axle for just about anything except dry pavement though it will make little difference in snow (nothing but tires and weight will).

I would keep looking.

Dean
 
I found a big difference in traction with my limited slip/ 4wd truck when towing my camper on the beach in soft sand--far outperformed my old truck with standard rear.
 
you can just transfer the guts to another housing, probably ready for some new bearings and seals anyway.
 
(quoted from post at 11:58:53 08/03/14) I never want to own a truck with limited slip in the rear again (here in NY) but I live on a steep mountain road. It's fine when in 4WD. But when in 2WD - when one wheel slips and other kicks in - all rear wheels lose footing and the rear of the truck almost spins off the road. With a standard "open" differential - the wheel with the most traction does not spin and keeps the truck ON the road. I also have a F250 with a limited slip rear in northern Michigan - and there it's not a problem. Nor do I need it. All flat land in Presque Isle and Alpena couties. A 4WD truck with an open rear will go anywhere a 4WD with a posi-rear will go - when IN 4WD. Most of the traction comes from the front wheels anyway.
Click to expand...
Thanks for your post---I agree! More then once, I have had to get out of truck, lock the hubs, put in four wheel drive to get up a hill that a regular two wheel drive car or truck just went up!
I guess experience [b:886687162a]IS [/b:886687162a]the best teacher!!
 

If you swap the carrier you will need to make sure your axle spline count is the same as the ones in your truck. Go to Randys ring and pinion and punch in you truck for the options.. I just went thru this on a ranger what the customer finally did was get a 28 spline side gear trac-loc off ebay for $65 after that it was just a matter of inspecting it installing new carrier bearings and swapping the old ring gear to the carrier... I added 2 tho to the left side with a adjustable shim pack from Randys...

Ford trowed him a few curve balls you would think all you would have to do was install a 28 spline side gear set were the 31 were NO they had to make the spider gear pin a different size for both. :twisted: His ABS trigger wheel fitted all the carriers he brought to me. Question wheres the old diff it could be used as a doner are request they put the correct diff back in it...
 
UP here in snow country you couldn't pay me to drive a truck without a limited slip or locker in the rear axle. That way when you put it in 4x4 you at least have 3 wheels receiving power, with open differentials you have one front and one rear driving....
 
Did not realize they still made a limited slip. The only one ever had was on a 63 Rambler Classic bought in 68. Never could tell it worked.
 
I have a locker in my new truck and like it much better than limited slip. I have had both the electric and mechanical locker and like the electric better.

One poster mentioned adding this option.
 
Sorry to contradict (or whatever), but if the man is going to try to swap the limited slip into the replacement housing, it is as easy as using the WHOLE innards of the old bent housing. It should all fit with no problem. Solve the problem of spline count, different spider gears, etc.

HOWEVER.....be advised that in either case, it will be necessary to re-adjust the bearing preload and backlash lest the rear be very noisy. Advised to check the backlash before disassembly and try to come as close as possible on re-assembly.
 
Bob, the ABS on the Fords are set up with a single sensor on the differential housing, and have an exciter ring on the ring gear mounting flange. ABS does not care if it is limited slip or not.
 
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