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How does limited slip work? - READ ONLY

36 messages,  Last post on Apr 05, 1999 at 10:53 PM

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Messages Page 1 of 4

#1 of 36 by cliffc

Aug 06, 1998 (3:43 pm)

I recently noticed that when one rear wheel loses
traction like when you go over a mound of dirt.
One wheel slightly in the air and the other on
solid dirt. The wheel in the air spins and no
power goes to the wheel firmly on the ground. I
thought that limited slip would prevent this.
Service Manager at my dealer says this is "normal".
 Does anyone know if this is true or not?

#2 of 36 FETZ by FETZ

Aug 07, 1998 (1:01 am)

If he tells you that's normal for a limited slip to get power to only one wheel, then he doesn't know the difference between a limited slip and a regular differential (and shouldn't be working in the auto repair business).


If this was a regular differential, this would be normal. But a limited slip differential should only let one wheel spin a little bit before it begins to transmit power to the other drive wheel.


I wouldn't let them get away with giving you the old "that's normal" routine. I would either take it to another dealer for service, or escalate the problem through higher-ups (regional or district manager). Good luck.

#3 of 36 bogieman by bogieman

Aug 11, 1998 (2:50 am)

Amen Brother! You describe a standard rear action. With limited slip..... and I have it on my '98 F-150 w/ 4.6 L V-8....... as soon as the rear feels one wheel "outrunning" the other, it transfers power from the "free" wheel to the other side and you should feel this change..... or perhaps you do not really have a limited slip rear?
Bogieman

#4 of 36 cliffc by cliffc

Aug 11, 1998 (5:21 pm)

How do you "prove" that it is not working? I don't think it is working. I jacked up on rear wheel with a floor jack, put it in drive and the truck would move. The free wheel in the air just spun while the wheel on the ground just sat there. The Ford service manager claims that this is normal for limited slip. He says I'm thinking of locking differential. Have you tried jacking up one wheel to see if it will move the truck?

#5 of 36 FETZ by FETZ

Aug 18, 1998 (8:47 pm)

I wouldn't use a "jack" method of testing it. It's a little dangerous with the potential of causing damage to the truck if it decides to take off. Take it in some mud or sand and have somebody watch to see if both wheels will spin. In a low traction situation like that you will definitely see BOTH wheels spin if it is working correctly.


Another test would be to find a road with a muddy shoulder. Park with one wheel in the mud, and the other on hard pavement. Then nail the throttle. You should be able to take off without a problem if the limited slip is working correctly. A regular axle will just spin the tire in the mud and go nowhere.


I had a Ford Ranger with limited slip that worked almost too well. The rear end would skitter around tight turns, because it wouldn't "differentiate" enough. And it would leave two equal length black rubber patches on the pavement if I burned rubber. If I got stuck in sand, both back wheels would be buried. It would allow little or no spin before kicking in the other wheel. Compare that to my F150 with a regular axle, that would leave only one rubber patch on pavement, and would only bury one wheel if I got stuck in sand.


I have a Chevy truck now, with a locker. It will spin one wheel for a second or two before it decides to kick in the other wheel. And you can definitely feel it when it does. It allows much more spin than the limited slip does before transmitting power to the other wheel (from my experience).

#6 of 36 FETZ by FETZ

Aug 18, 1998 (8:53 pm)

By the way, tell that service manager you want to talk to a mechanic, because it sounds like he's misinformed (to put it mildly).

#7 of 36 smi by smi

Aug 19, 1998 (8:58 pm)

Which is better for off-road, limited slip or locking? Does anyone know which the Toyota T-100 4x4 has? If it is just plain then doesn't that realy make it a two wheel drive in the mud or sand(one in front and one in back?)Is there an aftermarket locker or limited slip for this truck?

#8 of 36 FETZ by FETZ

Aug 20, 1998 (1:03 am)

I personally prefer the way the limited slip works better. But I'm sure you will find differing opinions on that.


I just visited the Toyota web site, and couldn't find any mention about what axle type the T100 has. They don't list options for that either (other than axle ratio).


You're right about the regular axle on a 4X4. It is effectively only 2 wheels driving (one front, one rear).


I have friends that have SR5 trucks, they came with the regular axle. One of them installed an aftermarket locker differential, and that made a world of difference on where he could go off road. I don't know if there are aftermarket kits for the T100. You'll have to ask around I guess.


Good luck.

#9 of 36 NumberOne by NuberOne

Aug 22, 1998 (12:20 am)

I am still not quite straight on this. I am going to order a new model '99 Chevy or GMC Full Size 2x4 pidkup with a tow package. There is no limited slip differential offered ... only a locking differential ($270 option). I will only tow a boat a couple times a year.


Should I get the locking diff?
Will it adversely affect gas mileage, performance, or handling?

#10 of 36 kcram by kcram HOST

Aug 23, 1998 (8:54 pm)

That's the limited slip, #1. The manufacturers don't offer actual lockers. For true lockers, you need to go aftermarket. Add in the fact that each one has a different name for limited slip, and it's easy to see why a lot of folks get confused on this.

Messages Page 1 of 4

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