It's not about my truck... but a friend has a F150 XLT v8 2wd Scab. I've confirmed that he's got a LS axle with 3.55 gears.

He hasn't rotated his tires for about 14k. He's noticed that the right rear has worn more than the other 3. Is this right?

Which tire does the pushing when the LS is not active?

 

Yes this is right. The right tire will have power until the left tire gets less weight on it. Meaning if the axle gets off kilter and the left was to hang lower then the power will be to the left tire but unless that happens the right tire is doing the pushing.

 

it's kinda rare for a 3.55 axle to have LS...it only takes a tiny bit of spin before the LS clutches do their magic and force the other wheel to spin. obviously, the stock LS isn't a locker, but it is very effective.

so, IMO, what you're describing is either 1 of 2 things

1. a non LS axle
2. his LS is wearing/worn out

the Ford LS axle is actually pretty good. I've got 2 of them (Mustang and F-150), and despite what alot of people like to say about it, it does work. I drive my truck kinda hard off the line and my tires wear exactly the same (3.73 LS)

 

I have the 3.55 LS in my truck and did not have that problem with my first set of tires.

 

3.55 LS in mine as well.

The misconception is that the LS engages and disengages, it doesn't. Both rear wheels are tied together and pushing full time. There will be some difference in speed between the wheels when turning (which is what limited slip means), or if the throttle is mashed with different traction under each wheel (which will burn up a clutch pack very easily). This is why it's so important to use the proper weight gear oil and the correct amount of friction modifier. The modifier will keep the clutches from binding which would cause a shudder or a tire to squeal when turning.

 

Hmm thanks for the answers... I gotta go to his house and check this out some more.

I figured the LS didn't have anything to do with it or mine would have experiencing the same issue.

 

i have the NLS with 3.55. i'm having the same problem. looking to go LS with 410's

 

Really? I have the 3.55 Limited Slip.

OEM wheels & tires. No uneven wear.

 

3.55 LS here too.

 

where I bought my truck the dealership ordered all the trucks with 3.73 LS axles for the XLT to Lariat trims. they usually market it as part of the Tow Package.

a 3.55 NLS is one of those cost cutting things that Ford does. I guess more people have 3.55 LS than I thought

 

Funny, all the 3.55's on the lot when I bought my truck had the tow package. I'm more than happy with my 3.55's.

 

I've got Motive 4.10s and the factory LS unit. I can peel rubber, but I've yet to notice any abnormal tire wear... and I don't rotate my tires either.

As for his, I took his wheel off and looked at it. It's just worn down by 2/32 of an inch compared to the other tires. But it's still passable in NYS.

I just don't have a clue. He doesn't peel rubber or do anything strange. He does mixed city and highway driving, and pretty much stays on the roads I travel.

They are the Conti's though... and yes, they are noisy as heck.