[David]

I am definitely planning on adding a rear diff locker, so I have two questions:

1. Is there any point also having a limited slip rear axle? I was thinking I would be better off without LS if I have difflock.

2. Other than ARB airlocker, any suggestions for others, perhaps an e-locker that is available for the Transit?

 

[EddieZ]

Good questions. I had to buy from dealer stock, so, no Ltd slip. I would consider doing an upgrade.

 

[RandomJoe]

So much of the drive train is common to the F150 you'd think / hope / wish that an E-locker from the F150 would work.

But then Ford seems to have gone out of their way to make otherwise (logically) identical components be completely incompatible... :/

I went ahead and got the limited-slip axle - it's $300 more than the open. I'm not likely to run right out and get a locker but if there is eventually a relatively easy path to get an e-locker I think I'd go for that. I rarely need one - indeed have managed so far (18 years - with one exception) with the open axle in my S10 - but there have been a number occasions where I was really wishing I had something more.

The one (still so very vivid!) exception: I had to be towed back up a slippery river bank by someone with a 4WD. It wasn't steep but the single powered wheel was useless on the damp grass and I kept losing ground - inching closer to the 4-6 foot drop into the river! Dunno if lim-slip or locker would have helped in that situation either but I can't quite bring myself to spring the extra $12k on 4WD for the Transit...

 

[USMC Vet]

Numerous posts for this topic exist

You might want to check out the Threads already posted on this topic, from every angle possible. Below is one link, you can find others by typing in "limited slip" or differentials" in the SEARCH box above right.

Hope you find all you need.
Semper Fi


http://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/...on/8505-limited-slip-differential-advice.html

 

[David]

Thanks, USMC Vet: - I did, in fact, read through numerous threads on this subject. I started a new thread only because the specific question I need answered was not addressed in any of them.

I know the advantages of a locking differential.
I do understand the function of the limited slip differential, and I have considerable experience with it's limitations.

What I need to know is: "If I have a locking differential, is it a bad idea to also have limited slip?"

 

[Budsky]

I might be wrong but I didn't think you could have limited slip and locking in the same axle...

 

[David]

Now that I think of it, that sounds reasonable - there probably would not be room for both mechanicals on the same differential. That would make my question a stupid one! I am suitably embarrassed!

 

[MoFoCo]

So, why do you want/need limited slip or locker? I'd say for ice/snow, LS is superior because a locker will just spin both tires instead of one, and sideways you go. For sand or anywhere you might have a drive wheel in the air, lockers are best.

If you haven't bought the van yet and you can get the factory LS option, $300 is a bargain. Adding later usually runs over $1000 per axle. Setting up a new 3rd member is a very delicate task that takes a well trained technician.

 

[David]

I look upon diff lockers as a "poor mans' 4X4". Not used much once I am moving, but very useful to get you moving in the first place. (Say, in a mud hole or ditch) With two rear wheels locked and turning together, there is, theoretically at least, half the tendency for wheel spin. Much better chance of getting back on the hard without the wheels spinning.

Advantage of limited slip is it is automatic (if it works). It will engage automatically if vehicle is in motion and one wheel drifts off the hard and starts to slip on wet grass, ice etc.

Would be nice to have both. Even nicer to have 4X4, but that comes at a pretty hefty price tag right now. Wish Ford would make it a factory option on the Transit! (Well, I can dream, can't I?)

 

[EddieZ]

If you haven't bought the van yet and you can get the factory LS option, $300 is a bargain. Adding later usually runs over $1000 per axle. Setting up a new 3rd member is a very delicate task that takes a well trained technician.

Ouch!

 

[vulf]

I got a price quote on adding an e locker from quadvan, so it seems like it's possible. It was around a couple grand if I remember correctly. Not sure if that info helps at all.

I want a rear locker for deep snow situations. I've been in some hairy situations where I was glad to have the option on my current F150. Just lock the rear diff, mash the accelerator and keep the wheels spinning to get through exceptionally snowy road sections.

 

[Budsky]

I don't know how effective the Ford electronic traction control is- I have a Toyota FJC and it is outstanding on that vehicle if you have the A-Trac option.
I've walked right up off road situations with it buzzing and clacking as it controls wheel spin with the brakes, when I could NOT do it on my own.
Our FJC has the rear electric locker- but the A-Trac actually works better in 4wd.
Need to find some snow somewhere this winter and let the Transit play, see what it does.

 

[David]

Budsky, I agree. I had an '07 FJ for eight years, and now have the 4Runner. Toyota Atrac really works well. If Toyota imported a vehicle to compete with the Transit in North America, I would not be looking at Ford.
Please post to let us know how your Transit likes playing in the snow!

 

[ericbwalden]

Hi David,
Any further info on the locking dif?
I've done some research and it looks like arb is the only "selectable" locker available for our 9.75 axle. I got a quote for $2600 out the door for install. Worth it in my opinion. I live in the Sierra and spend a lot of time on back roads camping,fishing,climbing and feel a rear locker will be incredibly useful in these situations. My transit has lsd differential and honestly I've found it to be useless in many situations. Even when "manipulating" it with braking and the tcs. My biggest concern is compatibility with the tcs and plan on finding someone with ford to discuss any issues. Just hoping maybe you have gotten there first.
Eric

 

[rene12341]

Is there a switch that disables TCS?

Sent from my SM-P900 using Tapatalk

 

[Budsky]

Right there on the dash.....

 

[danketchpel]

How effect has the OEM limited slip been for those who have it?

The reason I ask is I have it and was backing up with a trailer in a gravel driveway the other day and was getting 1 wheel slip big time. It's like the limited slip wasn't close to doing it's job.

I had the Ford limited slip in my Expedition and it felt effective a few times I needed it, but with the van I'm skeptical of how effective it is.

 

[alarmist]

Mine has worked with one wheel in loose dirt and the other on concrete, where the non LSD axle on my old truck just spun the tire in the dirt.

 

[KingCass]

https://www.ringpinion.com/DiffWizard.aspx Possible options? I am not sure I am going to call these guys at some point to ask.

 

[Tchgrif]

if you get a LS and traction control in certain situations, says a steep driveway covered in packed snow, you will never get out unless you disable the TC, the sensors detect slippage and cut gas and the LS keeps going back and forth. just when you think hey something is grabbing one thing or the other seems to bring you to a complete halt right away. but if you turn off the TC you will get out of it relatively easy. if you have one wheel in snow and one on driveway that's been shoveled the LS pulls you right out but not with both wheels spinning.