Limited Slip in Front Axle

[dusthomps]

I was wondering if any of you have installed a LSD in the front axle of our trucks. If so, what was the result? Any other comments are welcome as I'm trying to decide if it would be O. k. to have a LSD front end. Steering and drivability and my biggest concerns.



Thanks in advance,

Dustin

 

[John - K5AWO]

I think you would get more tire wear than normal and increased steering effort.



If you practice driving with only 3 wheels on the planet's surface, then the front axle would still be able to help pull you forward.



I believe there are several car makes with a version of that. Didn't American Motors have that in their Eagle? I used to own one of those from '82 to '91. it had full time 4x4 on it. No way to switch it out. Viscous coupling if I recall correctly.



Best snow vehicle I ever owned for slick surface traction. Too low to the ground for any serious snow pushing thought. Great car for the wife.

 

[RustyJC]

Some of the hot front wheel drive cars are now beginning to put LSD's in the front to try to harness the power. The tests complain of more torque steer and understeer. If you used a locker, it basically wouldn't turn a corner at all (terminal understeer) in slick conditions.



Rusty

 

[tugboatphil]

John,



Funny you should mention the Eagle. Whenever I visit my mom in West Virginia, I can't get over how many of those things are still on the road.



Maybe they go there to die, like the salmon??

 

[sparks57]

LSD would be a great mod, especially in the winter. No worries about understeer, because you can just onlock the front hubs whenever you don't need it.

 

[83 crew cab]

I got a limmited slip in the front it works realy good the clutches are a little on the worn side but it still enough to get you out when you need it



only bad thing is under power with the front locked and wheels spinning you will mostly go strieght you have to let off a little to get it to turn George

 

[sparks57]

It all depends on how you setup the l/s unit. If you set it up to be less agressive (like it should be in the front end) you shouldn't have many problems, but yes... you will loose some steering ability in 4wd, but steering in 4wd already sucks so I don't think you'll notice.

 

[wtrenholm]

If you have the funds available go with a controlable locking differential in the front. Like the Eaton E-Locker or ARB Airlocker.



As mentioned, a LSD in the front has some undesirable personality traits when in the front. Being your in Wisc you may want to run on snow covered roads while in 4wd and not worry about ill handling. Having LSD/lockers in the front and back make for some funky deals, like being on a side hill and you truck sliding sideways and not forward and getting way stuck.



Having a controlable diff will give you the good road manners of an open diff and the awesome traction of the locker when you need it.



HTH,

Wayne