I'm about ready to pull the trigger on a new SCrew Lariat, but the one available does not have the limited slip... is this a big deal? We drive on some snow and ice in the mountains but I'm not into off-road stuff. Also, any opionions on the bed extender? I don't think I would use it that much... is it something you can take out easily when not needed? Thanks in advance...

 

I have a 3.55 RATIO LIMITED SLIP AXLE in my truck. I didn't think Lariat's came without LIMITED SLIP AXLE'S. It’s not a necessity but personally, I think you should have it. Find a Lariat with a Tow Package and it will have limited slip.
Good Luck with your new Lariat

 

Actually, this one does have the tow package. In the brochure materials, the Lariat is shown as having the non-limited slip as standard. The truck has everything else I want and I'm getting anxious.... but don't want to make a mistake. Thanks for your feedback.

 

Did you ever wonder why it is 'available'?

 

If you drive in some snow and ice on a mountain I would think you'd want LS.

 

IMHO if its a 4x4 you can most likely get by wihout the LS but if you are looking at a 4x2 and you have to drive in wintery conditions the LS is a great bargain. Contrary to what some might think there is life without LS out here...

 

Personally I prefer the limited slip over the non-limited slip, especially if I were driving on snow or ice. The bed extender is also easily removed when you dont need it.

 

It is a 4X4. A friend advised it was not necessary since I would have the 4X4 and that it could be a disadvantage on ice. Consistent with that, I found this in an article posted on a 4X4 website: "For serious off-road use and very slippery roads (snow, ice) limited slip is not powerful enough. Again, it limits slip but it does not prevent it completely. Only a differential lock can do that."

 

grayflare... your truck looks great! I wish that color was available in the Lariat! Thanks for the reply.

 

The LS package only cost $285.00 more. That's not much extra on the price of a Lariat

 

I wouldn''t look at LS as a disadvantage, its probably always going to be better than an open differential in nasty conditions, but not as good as a locking differential, but if that Lariat has everyhting else you want, I think you should go for it, as long as you are getting a good price on that one. I just think that like myself with the 4WD handy you can do without having the LS. I do believe that it is invaluble for 4x2 trucks. JMHO

 

bfevans,

Thanks for the compliment, after seeing it in person I really liked it too. (Could you tell?)

 

I have had both 2wd and 4wd truck, all with and without limited slips, even had one 4wd with a full on after market locker.

I wouldn't have a truck again without the limited slip. Even with 4wd, it can make a big difference. Case in point: I was stationed up in Washington State about 10 years ago. One night I went out cruising in the mountains and got pretty far out. I went to do a U turn in a pull out that had some snow piled up there. I figured I had 4wd, so it wasn't a problem to shift into 4 hi and do the U-turn. WRONG. The snow was pretty hard packed, and both differentials rode up on it. I had one side of the truck partially up, wheels not supporting the weight. The weight of the truck was balanced on the differentials and the right side wheels. Even with 4wd, the left side tires just spun. Worst part was that I had to get a cop to pull me out with his Crown Vic.
Now a LS would not have necessarily prevented that from happening, but would have been a help. If I had needed to call a tow, it would have probably ended up costing quite a bit more than the cost of the LS option.

Anyway, unless you are paying cash, the cost of the limited slip, figured out over 4 years, comes out to about 5 bucks a month. Not really a big deal, and can be a real help. Like was said above, it isn't going to hurt having it.

As for lockers, unless you are a really heavy off roader, they can be a real pain, cause drive line issues, cause problems on the ice, especially on crowned roads, can sometimes have harsh engagements, and can cause funny tire ware.

Limited slip would probably be a good thing for you to have.

 

Thanks for the replies! I agree cost is not an issue... I had originally included the LS on my list of "wants" but the truck I otherwise am interested in does not have it. If this truck works out, I'll probably go ahead and get it; if not, I'll look for another with the LS. I'm buying the truck first for towing a small camper, second for a nice 4 door vehicle (our other cars are a '94 TBird and a '78 280Z), 3rd for the general utility of a truck (had one in the past and often miss it), and lastly for any mountain or off road use. Oh yeah... and because the new F-150s look and drive great!!!

 

My vote is yes ... I am in FL and I wanted it .. I got the 3.55 LS ... but mainly beacuse I have a boat ....