Limited Slip or Locker for 2WD van

[LocalmotionSC]

I've read the debates on this forum regarding limited slip's vs. selectable or full time lockers. I'm curious how the debate changes if we are talking about a 2wd vehicle? If you were going to be getting a 2WD van to use mostly on paved or gravel roads with some forest roads and light off-road driving what would you get?

 

[Scott Brady]

There are driver-selectable locking differentials, and then there are compromises (everything else). If you intend to drive your vehicle only in the desert, then some type of mechanical traction device might make sense. If you intend to use your van on mixed terrain, including low traction surfaces like mud, snow, ice, etc., then you need something driver selectable.

Install a driver-selectable locking differential and never look back.

 

[CUMMINSDIESELPWR]

just remember, a locker will get you into stuff that will be harder to get out of being 2wd or 4wd. I would do a selectable locker and be mindful of not getting in over your head. It would be an asset if you end up lifting a wheel off the ground traversing a trail and would work fine.

 

[ujoint]

What are the specs of your van? Yr make model, rear axle ID if you know.

 

[LocalmotionSC]

There are driver-selectable locking differentials, and then there are compromises (everything else)... If you intend to use your van on mixed terrain, including low traction surfaces like mud, snow, ice, etc., then you need something driver selectable.

Scott,
Does the above apply equally to a 2WD van used for on and off-road driving? I am planning on using the van for a 3-6 month cross country (US) road trip with probably an 80/20 ratio of on and off road driving. Most of the off-highway miles will be in Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and the Southwest, but I would like to get off-pavement as much as I can. Ideally I would like a 4x4 van, but I can't afford one. So I thought a less costly compromise would be a locker or limited slip. I have only a basic technical understanding of selectable lockers and limited slips and even less understanding of automatic or full time lockers. But my thinking is that an "always on" limited slip would better approximate 4x4 and be more useful for on-pavement or light off-pavement driving to prevent a loss of traction before it occurs particularly in wet, snowy, or muddy conditions. Given the vehicles purpose, would you still recommend a selectable over a LS??

just remember, a locker will get you into stuff that will be harder to get out of being 2wd or 4wd

Good point, I don't intend to do any advanced 4x4 trails, technical 4 wheeling, or rock crawling, so I hope I won't encounter this situation. I just want to people able to do some modest to moderate 4x4 trails (e.g. White Rim Trail, Saline Valley, and forest roads) and get to the places I want to see (e.g. Toroweap Overlook).

What are the specs of your van?

No van yet. I'm still in the market for one. My first choice would be an early-mid 2000's Ford E350 extended body with the 7.3l diesel or a Provan Tiger RV built on a Chevy Astro platform.

 

[Scott Brady]

The selectable locker will be the ultimate solution - for all scenarios. Unfortunately, it is also the most expensive and be sure to invest in proper installation.

In a 2wd, the goal will be to have as much traction as possible from the two rear tires and the ability to engage or disengage the device depending on the surface scenario. The negative effect of a rear mechanical locker or LSD is even more pronounced in a 2wd, resulting in significant oversteer on low traction surfaces like ice, snow, mud.

This is not to say that a LSD or mechanical locker is not worth doing, but just know it is not the best practice for this application and will have compromises to performance.

Think of it this way. The 2wd prerunner that Toyota sells in the Tacoma package. What traction device is installed in the rear? A driver-selectable locking differential.

With a good quality tire, low air pressure and a locker, you can travel in some pretty remote and rugged places. Just know that a locked 2wd will never outperform a 4wd, so be sure to have a good shovel and traction mats- maybe even a winch

Best of luck

 

[LocalmotionSC]

Thanks Scott,
This is exactly the type of insight I was looking for. Sounds to me like a selectable would be right for my application after all. Now its just a matter of whether I have the money or not for the selectable. I probably won't have a winch for a long while but I will surely bring a shovel, recovery gear, and some sort of traction enhancers, plus some BFG ATs.

 

[ujoint]

If you wind up with the Ford, it will most likely have the Dana 60 semi float rear axle. Your only option is an ARB so there you go! Decision has already been made for you

 

[Dawgboy]

I'm planning in a "Lockrite" for my 64 dodge, I like the simplicity. I had An ARB on my CJ5 and it was always giving me trouble... I know they are the standard, but I have heard my story many times.


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[dragogt]

There are driver-selectable locking differentials, and then there are compromises (everything else). If you intend to drive your vehicle only in the desert, then some type of mechanical traction device might make sense. If you intend to use your van on mixed terrain, including low traction surfaces like mud, snow, ice, etc., then you need something driver selectable.

Install a driver-selectable locking differential and never look back.

Agreed, best answer...

Thanks Scott,
This is exactly the type of insight I was looking for. Sounds to me like a selectable would be right for my application after all. Now its just a matter of whether I have the money or not for the selectable. I probably won't have a winch for a long while but I will surely bring a shovel, recovery gear, and some sort of traction enhancers, plus some BFG ATs.

I can agree with everything but the a/t's, think that they are more trouble than their worth in loose stuff or mud you're more likely to get stuck; They just don't clean out like I think they should... JMO

Sent from my T-Mobile Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 4

 

[mattwilliams31]

What about in snow? I have a 2000 GMC Savana with an open rear. I got stuck in wet grass in my yard so I have to do something before I drive up to visit family in West Virginia in the snow. What's the best option for snow/ice driving?

 

[Jeffh555]

In my opinion, the best option for snow/ice is chains.

A automatic locking diff is downright dangerous on on ice and less than ideal on snow. An ARB will be either open (no better than stock) or locked (back to downright dangerous, unless you plan on driving sideways everywhere).

I have no experience with a limited slip in the snow/ice, so maybe they're the holy grail on snow/ice, but they are nearly useless everywhere else.

On second thought, the one thing better than chains in the snow/ice is good driving skill. People who live in places with real winter (not me, I live on the beach in CA) regularly drive a stock fwd car everywhere all winter long.

 

[toylandcruiser]

In my opinion, the best option for snow/ice is chains.

A automatic locking diff is downright dangerous on on ice and less than ideal on snow. An ARB will be either open (no better than stock) or locked (back to downright dangerous, unless you plan on driving sideways everywhere).

I have no experience with a limited slip in the snow/ice, so maybe they're the holy grail on snow/ice, but they are nearly useless everywhere else.

On second thought, the one thing better than chains in the snow/ice is good driving skill. People who live in places with real winter (not me, I live on the beach in CA) regularly drive a stock fwd car everywhere all winter long.

A locker isn't dangerous. Just like anything you need to learn how to drive it. I've driven a truck with a rear locker on ice for a quite a few year.

 

[r_w]

Chains on a 2wd will get you to the point a 4wd can't pull you out unless it has chains, too.

So are there other options on the Dana full float?

 

[warmblood58]

I will be going with an ARB for my '94 Ford IDI van build - should take care of me quite well and decided that the added expense of 4x4 was not worth it given how little I would actually use 4x4.