I am thinking of buying a 2005 F-150 with a tow package. I was told that if I get the tow package, I need to also get the 3.55 limited slip axle. If all I really plan to tow on a regular basis is a 17' boat about 15 miles down the road, do I really need this? I need all the help you can give me.

Thanks.

 

I recommend limited slip for any vehicle. It is the cheapest traction enhancing device. Turns your 1 wheel drive truck into two. For a boat ramp, you'll want it.

 

I agree with APT. Although you will probably rarely need the LS rear when towing your boat, you'll almost always run into a wet ramp that requires LS when extrating your boat. By the way, the LS rear is not REQUIRED with the tow package. Those of us that tow all the time would never be without it though. Besides, it's cheap as an option, but expensive as hell to add later.

 

For towing the 3.73 or 4.10 gears are much better than 3.55. The limited slip is great for those times when you need it and it is not that expensive. The first time it keeps you from getting stuck it will pay for itself.

 

You will also appreciate it on those icy mornings as well as those rain slick roads.

 

^^^ Exactly, especially if you plan on towing on a regular basis as you said. Good luck.

 

on our farm we have 3 trucks- one is a f 250 light duty 4.6 liter with 3.73 ls axle and one is 4.6 with 3.55 regular axle and one is 5.4 with 3.55 limited slip axle. the last two are regular f-150's.


all 3 of these trucks have not had any problem pulling everything we have needed to pull. We regularly pull loads in excess of 10,000lbs. the truck without limited slip does the worst but it also has smaller poorer tires not really meant for this work. but it still gets the job done!!!

in short i would not worry about haveing the 3.55 ls axle- and i beleive it is a little better for gas mileage. and the 4.6 with the 3.73 is a slow mover for city driving- stop and go. the 5.4 has more low end power- but both are great engines.

Dan.

 

I recommend getting it. If ordering a truck, it's a no brainer. They're hard to find in the city and easier to find in the rural areas. Hmmm....why would this be?

 

I too recommend getting it. I have had one truck without LS. That was my 90 4x4. I might as well have had a 2 wheel drive truck with LS. Traction would have been close to the same. You may not always need LS, but when you do you are thankful that you have it.
The only good thing about an open diff. It is a lot easier to smoke the tires.