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 the 2017 Dodge doesn't have an intermediate cab size).Anyway, the standard differential on the DRW, F350 diesel is a non-limited slip 3.55 ratio. The only other options are a limited slip 3.55 or limited slip 4.10. Locking differentials are not offered on the DRW.I don't know a lot about this subject area but I'l thinking that 3.55 will be OK and the 4.10 unnecessary. What I am wondering about, however, is, bearing in mind the truck has traction control, if the LSD makes sense. It's an extra $350 to buy the LSD and I hear they need more maintenance.Someone on another forum cautioned that in slippery conditions with an LSD if one wheel starts to spin they both will and you can get going sideways pretty darn quick. Someone else suggested that off road, a 4x4 without an LSD is no better than a 2WD with it.Anybody well versed in this subject area with suggestions or advice?Thanks.P.S. I'll be getting a 4x4.

you identified at least one disadvantage to a LSD, possibility of going sideways on any road with camber. True traction control helps.However, both my duramax's came with the G-80 autlocking rear differential, it is std and AFAIK you can't order one without it. it is well worth it for me. It's a true locker rather than LSD. the one thing the G-80 does is it won't lock above about 20 mph, so going sideways at speed isn't a problem.But it all depends on where you go. if your always on dry pavement, who cares. if you go on gravel or wet grass etc. it can make a difference. And I'd say a 4wd without a LSD is still better than 2wd with LSD. not as good as 4wd with LSD, but still better.really LSD doesn't require more maintenance., yes, they use a different gear fluid, you need a friction modifier to make the clutches work properly, but that's about it.It all comes down to what your willing to trade off.

Get the LDS. The advantages outweight any perceived disadvantages by a huge margin. My 3rd 4wd vehicle was my first one with a LSD. I was astounded at how well that truck did in snow compared to what I was used too.My current '05 Chevy dually has the factory G80. I was able to literally drive rings around a stuck Ford F350 with an open diff in the mud. Both trucks had very similar weight and the exact same tires.

The traction control on my Ram works better than any limited slip and as well as the G80. Limited slip is only beneficial if you have to get after it or playing around. It allows you to spin the tires at a high rate of speed. With the traction control you can have one wheel on roller ball bearings and the truck will put the power to the wheel with traction.

KD4UPL wrote:Get the LDS. The advantages outweight any perceived disadvantages by a huge margin. My 3rd 4wd vehicle was my first one with a LSD. I was astounded at how well that truck did in snow compared to what I was used too.My current '05 Chevy dually has the factory G80. I was able to literally drive rings around a stuck Ford F350 with an open diff in the mud. Both trucks had very similar weight and the exact same tires.I would always go with LSD. My current dually an F550 has an open Diff. First open diff I have ever owned. The above statement is absolutely accurate and due to LSD not brand of truck.No question go with the LS. You won't even feel a difference. It will just work for you.

Limited Slip or Open Differential? | Good Sam Community

35 Replies

lightning_drive
Explorer
Apr 21, 2017
KD4UPL wrote:
Get the LDS. The advantages outweight any perceived disadvantages by a huge margin. My 3rd 4wd vehicle was my first one with a LSD. I was astounded at how well that truck did in snow compared to what I was used too.
My current '05 Chevy dually has the factory G80. I was able to literally drive rings around a stuck Ford F350 with an open diff in the mud. Both trucks had very similar weight and the exact same tires.

I would always go with LSD. My current dually an F550 has an open Diff. First open diff I have ever owned. The above statement is absolutely accurate and due to LSD not brand of truck.
No question go with the LS. You won't even feel a difference. It will just work for you.
transamz9
Explorer
Apr 21, 2017
The traction control on my Ram works better than any limited slip and as well as the G80. Limited slip is only beneficial if you have to get after it or playing around. It allows you to spin the tires at a high rate of speed. With the traction control you can have one wheel on roller ball bearings and the truck will put the power to the wheel with traction.
KD4UPL
Explorer II
Apr 21, 2017
Get the LDS. The advantages outweight any perceived disadvantages by a huge margin. My 3rd 4wd vehicle was my first one with a LSD. I was astounded at how well that truck did in snow compared to what I was used too.
My current '05 Chevy dually has the factory G80. I was able to literally drive rings around a stuck Ford F350 with an open diff in the mud. Both trucks had very similar weight and the exact same tires.
IdaD
Explorer
Apr 20, 2017
Definitely yes.
ktmrfs
Explorer II
Apr 20, 2017
you identified at least one disadvantage to a LSD, possibility of going sideways on any road with camber. True traction control helps.

However, both my duramax's came with the G-80 autlocking rear differential, it is std and AFAIK you can't order one without it. it is well worth it for me. It's a true locker rather than LSD. the one thing the G-80 does is it won't lock above about 20 mph, so going sideways at speed isn't a problem.

But it all depends on where you go. if your always on dry pavement, who cares. if you go on gravel or wet grass etc. it can make a difference.

And I'd say a 4wd without a LSD is still better than 2wd with LSD. not as good as 4wd with LSD, but still better.

really LSD doesn't require more maintenance., yes, they use a different gear fluid, you need a friction modifier to make the clutches work properly, but that's about it.

It all comes down to what your willing to trade off.

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Limited Slip or Open Differential?

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