Why is ford dumping the limited slip options?
 

I don't like the fact that I am forced to configure a 2012 F150 with either an open rear end, or an elocker. The limited slip options are over $2000 to select! What nonsense is that? I love having a limited slip as it works at any speed... Is the same true for the elocker?

They did the same on their Super Duty. They feel their brake traction control is good enough for the open differentials and the Elocker when it's functioning as an open differential in 2WD or 4WD, none egaged mode. They are offering the Elocker on 2WD models which can be helpful in a couple instances but a LSD is much more beneficial with instantaneous, automatic engagement for 2WD. For 4WD, an Elocker is best. They are now offering this with 3.55 and 3.73 ratios as a standard option in place of the previous LSD. This is really beneficial for 4WD and the brake traction control (1 wheel slip) should fill in adequately as the replacement for the mechanical limited slip differential.

I agree, the LSD is better than brake traction control (one wheel spin) and better than the E-Locker in instanteous wheel spin conditions. However in 'known' deep snow, deep mud, deep sand, situations, the E-Locker will be better when you have the knowledge that it will be needed and will be able to engage it before there is wheel slip. Hopefully the brake traction control (1 wheel slip) will fill in adequately for a mechanical limited slip differential. I really think this is better for the most part and is a good move by Ford.

The 3.73 LS axle is the HD axle now, for the HD package.

I don't think it's cost cutting, just trying to offer something the competition doesn't. That being an E-Locker on all 2WD and 4WD models, along with brake traction control ('electronic' limited slip).

The elocker has been working in the raptor line up so now its time for the other models to get it.....its just going to be something new to get used to.......

Well screw that! Guess I will stick to my 2010 5.4 with 3.55LS and supercharge it rather than trade in for the eco

I wouldn't trade for Eco anyhow. The 5.4L is a great engine and the truck is great itself. I wouldn't want to be one who was working through the new problems they have with these trucks. I really like my truck.

I think it is awesome. The LS in my FX4 works like crap anyway, clutch packs wear out, inconsistent operation, etc. This probably just pushed me into a 2012.

you can always add a LS after buying the truck

X2
A Detroit True Trac doesn't have clutches to wear out.
I'd like to put one in my truck and ditch the e-locker. :p

the 2011 line up in super cab xlt different prices depending on the motor

in 5.0 you get the 3:55 Non limited slip( regular rear)
first upgrade os 3:55 LS for $350
next is 3:73 LS for $400
then you have the 3:73 electronic locking rear for $695

but in the ecoboost motor

the prices change dramtically ..it will cost you another $1695 to get the electronic locking rear in 3:73!!!

thats before you get into any special packages...then its gets complicated

they almost give stuff away in some packages, and then they charge and arm and a leg for it in tohers

bob

You live in the same area as me. Why do you need limited slip? If you're getting a 4x4 you'll have more than enough traction for all seasons.


Oh, and one other thing... open diff is actually safer to have when driving on snow (Since we are expected to get dumped on this season).

^ i disagree with an open diff being safer in snow, but maybe thats just in Alaska.

I was disappointed with seeing that the regular LS is more expensive than the e-locker, and it wasn't possible to get 3.73s open in a screw/5.0 4x4. I'd want the 3.73 gears, and then used the money saved to get a Tru-trac...

Anyone hear of any issues of ditching the e-locker for a mechanical locker?

The only difference in price between a 5.0 and 3.73 e locker and a EcoBoost and a 3.73 e-locker is the price of the EcoBoost. That is $750. for 2011.

2011 F150 XLT SuperCab 5.0 3.73 e-locker $34,805.

2011 F150 XLT SuperCab EcoBoost 3.73 e-locker $35,555.

Most of the limited slips were replaced with lockers for 2012 because the limited slips were causing problems with traction control and are not needed anymore. Traction control takes care of everything. The $2k more for limited slip is misleading because that also includes heavy-duty payload package. Trust Ford. They know what they are doing.

These videos from dcfluid show how well it works...

Demonstrating the new "One Wheel Spin Control" feature on a 2011 Ford FX4. The traction control system now stops the symptom of an open differential while the electronic locking diff is NOT engaged. Traction on the 2011's is much better now for driving on slippery streets and low traction conditions as the system now simulates a limited slip rear end when unlocked. See part two for more demonstrations. You will see the truck is in 2 wheel drive, rear is unlocked, traction control system turned off except for the one wheel spin control which is always on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3on27...layer_embedded

Part 2 showing more traction surfaces demonstrating the one wheel spin contrrol feature in a 2011 FX4. Notice how one wheel with less traction starts to spin first and fractions of a second later the brakes transfer traction to the wheel with more traction and both wheels spin. Powered by the ECOBOOST 3.5 twin turbo engine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrdcC...el_video_title

Putting aside the traction control features of the modern F150 I can easily explain why:

With a limited slip rear diff on snow or ice the rear end of the vehicle will have a tendency to get sideways when both wheels are spinning on a slippery surface.

With an open diff, since one wheel loses power to the free spinning wheel the vehicle will track straight and not get sideways.

True, if you don't know how to drive... I won't ever own a one-wheel wonder up here, specifically because of snow.