I was driving down by the lake and I went into a hole that was deeper than it looked. So when I tries to back out only one wheel spun in the rear. I have limited slip, so shouldn't the other tire kick in in that scenario.

Thanks, Matt

 

a l/s does not mean that both tires are spinning at the same time. it helps with this but theyre not great for low traction situations. the stock ones are notorious for doing this. it be better if you upgraded.

 

The clutches wear out under normal on-road use.

.

For more info, read this post.

 

what do you mean. explain

 

If you read the thread on the link Steve posted, it will tell you all you need to know about limited slips.

 

I found this visual illustration that helped me understand the operation of an open differential: http://static.howstuffworks.com/flash/differential.swf Click on the Straight / Turn buttons to see the pinion gears in action

For the entire article see http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential.htm

My $0.02

 

wow great references, thanx.

 

But what cheifFX4 is sayin is that is doesnt work very well. Because I thought that L/S was when one wheel has better traction it will deliver more power to that wheel. And in my case the wheel with traction wasn't even turning.

 

the ford limited slip i am familiar with is the trak-loc in the 8.8 diff. the clutches wear out pretty quick and would not lock in the situation you describe. i have opened up about 12 of the 8.8 diffs, and more than half had the clutch pack tabs lying at the bottom of the diff. meaning it was burnt up pretty bad. you can replace the clutches, the parts are about $60.

 

My '99 CV's clutches are still tight with over 150Kmi.

 

i replaced the clutches in my truck about a week after i got it cause it did the above, after replacing them i gained alot more traction than i originally had

 

No, that's not how a limited slip works. With a Trac-Loc LSD, or any clutch-based LSD, once the clutches release and start to slip, the power will still be transmitted to the wheel with the least resistance.

The Ford Trac-Loc limited slip doesn't actually do anything to limit slip. The breakaway torque is waaay too low to be useful. (a whopping 20 ft*lbs) Often times, engaging the parking brake a few clicks will help equalize the torque on the rear wheels and allow the vehicle to drive itself out. (That tip is even in the owner's manual) Sometimes even that's just not enough.

-Joe