I have a 2004 XLT Regular Cab F-150 with a 4.6L V8. I have a one wheel peel! I don't know whether that is a limited or non-limited slip, but i would like to get positraction. Is it possible? How hard is it? Where do I get the parts?

 

Well first off welcome!

Check on the sticker on the drivers door for the axle code for your truck. If you use the search button you will easily find info on the different axle codes here in the forums. The Ford LSD's are pretty generally regarded as crap anyway so if you want to get both wheels to hook up you're on the right track thinking about an upgrade.

There are lots of options out there, lots! Price will depend on what you choose. For example there's a lot more involved in hooking up an air locker than there is in a conventional locker. But I'd say you're looking at several hundred here. Plan on a couple hundred at least for parts and then a few more for install.

It is possible to do this yourself if you've got a lot of knowledge but personally I wouldn't ever try to setup my own rear end. There is a high degree of precision required to get it setup just right. If you decide to have a shop do it, they may let you BYOP (Bring Your Own Parts). In that case there's tons of websites that sell them and it would be easy enough to get them yourself. But most shops don't go for this due to the liability of installing customer furnished parts.

My advice is research it out. Find out what you have in your truck now. If it's not good enough, find out what your options are from a product point of view. Once you decide what product you want, check out installation options for it. Again I'm by no means an expert, I'm sure others will chime in that know more than me. Good luck!

 

You have an open differential, meaning non-limited slip. You can upgrade to the basic Ford limted slip for around $350 (I think). That is only for the carrier and you will still have to get an install kit, which is around $80. It is possible to do it yourself, but it is a very time consuming and exact job. I blew my open rearend soon after I bought my truck and I went ahead and bought the Ford LS instead of going with another open diff. I didn't have the money to pay somebody and so I did it myself. It was a lot of work and even though I did everything exactly the way I was supposed to the rearend still screamed at me when I touched the throttle. A few months later I wanted to regear and I figured it was better idea to let a pro do it.

If I were you I wouldn't go with the Ford unit. It's not very strong and actually performs rather poorly off road. Go with an aftermarket unit. Call Randy's Ring and Pinion (1-800-347-1188) and they'll help you out with everything. They're very helpful, even if you're just calling for info and not to buy anything. See what they tell you to get and then shop around for the best price.

Oh and labor to have it installed will be anywhere from $250-$400.