Limited Slip or Open Differential?
Finally realized I need a dually for the 16,000# trailer I'll be getting and I'm looking at the 2017 Ford F350 (Chevys are currently hard to get do to a shortage of supplies to make the diesels and th...
Forum Discussion
RussOnTheRoad wrote:
I'm looking at the 2017 Ford F350....DRW, F350 diesel is a non-limited slip 3.55 ratio....options are a limited slip 3.55 or limited slip 4.10. Locking differentials are not offered on the DRW.
What I am wondering .....if the LSD makes sense. It's an extra $350 to buy the LSD and I hear they need more maintenance.
If the truck is 4X4 you can probably get by with an open diff since you can compensate for poor traction with the front axle. If you're getting a 2WD, then an LSD is an absolute must.
My previous truck came with an open diff. It was basically a one wheeled wonder on wet grass, slight inclines, and wet boat ramps. Let's just say that axle did me no favors in controlling my anger. I later installed an Eaton LSD and it made a world of difference. I could still get stuck on wet grass on an incline, but boat ramps and most other typical slick conditions were now passable.
One of the reasons I got my current truck was for 4X4. I got stuck in a wet campground in 2015 and that was the last straw. In that situation 4X4 was the only solution and I didn't have it. If I were to ever own another 2WD it will definitely have an LSD or electronic locking diff. Believe me, the $350 you'll spend on an LSD will be more than made up the first time you encounter slick conditions. More than likely the LSD will get you through where an open diff will leave you watching the tire with the least grip spin like a treadmill.
KJ
