GenIII Limited Slip Diff

[plh]

As Far as I know all 2001-2002 has the LSD.

I'm not an expert, just an enthusiast. Car-part does list with and without LSD (non-locking or locking - wish ) for the XLS and no LSD for the LTD in MYs '01 & '02, although if you look at the individual listings, there are both locking and non listed for LTD with 5 speed (auto) - interesting! Look for the tag on the differential. Should say "Hybrid LSD" if so equipt.

the Diff has a code on it. I cant remember them right now, but the Limited has one diff, and the XLS (?) has another. I believe that the XLS has the LSD. can anyone confirm?

XLS has 4.9 ratio (4 speed auto) and LTD has 4.3 ratio (5 speed auto)

I do have a box sitting on my desk at work with a "Hybrid LSD" for a Gen 3 rear in it.

 

[PirateMcGee]

The truck has 175,000 miles on it…I've put 40,000 on it. I haven't changed the fluid, but it doesn't look too bad.

If you've put 40k on it then that fluid is well over due.

 

[Michael Brown]

HYBL1D LSD

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This is the only thing that can confirm whether it has an LSD or not. My 01 XLS did not have a LSD, some 01-02 Limited models did not have LSD. 03-06 removed LSD in favor of the new traction control system, but I installed an 02 Limited LSD diff in my 05. It works well without interfering with the traction control.

Also, I have not found a Gen 3 with a warning label for the diff, but it would be in the door jamb.

 

[Offroadmuch]

Michael Brown and Toasty I appreciate the info. As always you are both great sources of information.

Michael, reference: "but I installed an 02 Limited LSD diff in my 05. It works well without interfering with the traction control." Do you notice any difference? I have never heard of anyone using this set up. Sounds interesting...

 

[Toasty]

If you have a factory locker or ARB in your Gen 3 the traction control only has to do 1/2 of it's job when the locker is engaged so I imagine it would be similar running an LSD. The traction control uses the ABS to control the slippage so less heat in the braking system and less wear on these old ABS motors, I actually don't like the traction control on my Gen 3 (nothing wrong with it but I prefer manual control).

 

[Michael Brown]

Michael Brown and Toasty I appreciate the info. As always you are both great sources of information.

Michael, reference: "but I installed an 02 Limited LSD diff in my 05. It works well without interfering with the traction control." Do you notice any difference? I have never heard of anyone using this set up. Sounds interesting...

The original diff was bad, so I needed a replacement. The traction control only activates once it detects wheel slip, so having LSD means that it can prevent slip before the traction control activates on the rear axle. It behaves like a LSD when engaged anyway. I can only say that it certainly does not impede the traction system and a few times, it has reduced its use of the ABS.

I would agree with not liking the stability control (has power to cut engine throttle) as it can be an issue. The traction control has been very smart on and off road, behaving almost exactly like the 3 LSDs in my STI. However, stability control is usually disabled by the system in 4HLc and 4LLc. The best way to overcome it is to use 4H (AWD with open center) at all times to prevent the loss of traction in the first place.

 

[Toasty]

YES! When I was in the snow these past few weekends the traction control kept cutting throttle. I did not like that at all, I'd be just plowing away and it would be like "Hey! let me help!". It means well but mostly gets in the way.

 

[Inyo_man]

YES! When I was in the snow these past few weekends the traction control kept cutting throttle. I did not like that at all, I'd be just plowing away and it would be like "Hey! let me help!". It means well but mostly gets in the way.

My sentiments exactly.
That's one of the nice features of the early Gen III Ltd. models...just LSD, no traction control.

 

[Michael Brown]

I agree with you guys about the annoyance, but the stability control (ASC) can be shut off manually by the switch on the panel in front of the gear shift. Just hold the rocker until the ASC off light comes on the dash. I would only recommend this for times when it is being troublesome and not for daily driving. This will still leave the traction control on to maintain wheel slip, but it will not cut engine throttle.

 

[Toasty]

Yeah I do that for slippery situations, I think it's (onroad/high RPM) program is more for mom's who might loose control during a skid. If your instincts are to throttle steer or drift it out you're in for a surprise and it will more than likely get you into a sticky situation. Seems to be ok at maintaining traction during dry off camber creeps though.

 

[offthepath]

Weird.....

I feel the stability control in my 3rd is one of the least intrusive systems I've seen. I have no problems drifting corners in the snow. I feel it kick on, but it sure gives much more leeway than alot of other cars I've driven.