Does A 4WD Truck Need Limited Slip

[Mike Wenrich]

My current 2004.5 2500 has a limited slip rear but honestly I can't tell if it has ever engaged. I believe once in soft sand in the desert I felt the rear end switching back and forth for traction. Considering I have 4WD and wish to buy a new truck, is limited slip necessary? Our climate does include snow occasionally but not to any great extent and black ice once in awhile after a storm. Most roads I drive are paved so mud is not an issue and if I get in sand I have used the 4WD to make sure I have traction. We do have mud slides off mountains in severe rain events. I would like to know what the more experienced drivers have to say about this. Looking on line at 2023 trucks I can't always see the MSRP invoice but when I can, most do not have the feature.

 

[Sherman Bird]

My current 2004.5 2500 has a limited slip rear but honestly I can't tell if it has ever engaged. I believe once in soft sand in the desert I felt the rear end switching back and forth for traction. Considering I have 4WD and wish to buy a new truck, is limited slip necessary? Our climate does include snow occasionally but not to any great extent and black ice once in awhile after a storm. Most roads I drive are paved so mud is not an issue and if I get in sand I have used the 4WD to make sure I have traction. We do have mud slides off mountains in severe rain events. I would like to know what the more experienced drivers have to say about this. Looking on line at 2023 trucks I can't always see the MSRP invoice but when I can, most do not have the feature.

What's the point of 4WD if the diffs don't lock? If they are open, then you have 2WD in literal terms with 4WD selected, and 1WD in 2WD selection. I had a Mitsubishi Montero years ago (The tall boxy one like they use in the outback). We had the 1989 Christmas freeze here in S.E. Texas with temps at 6 degrees and -20 wind chill factor. Ice was on all the roads. The 4WD function on my truck was true 4WD with locking diffs. People everywhere were wrecking even in so-called 4WD vehicles that had open diffs. Mine was steady as a rock.

And, for the vast majority of the time, I operated it in 2WD on the street. So, yeah, get the locking differentials!

 

[Dean2]

Get limited slip. It is a real cheap option new and a REALLY expensive option to add later. No upside to open differential in the rear. Whether you need a locker up front (limited slip on the front is a BAD idea) depends on how much off roading you do. Mostly pavement, not needed and not usually a factory option on most pickups anyhow.

Same hold true of getting the right gears. 4:10 are a $100 option, swapping them later is a couple of thousand. Order the truck exactly how you want it, moding them later is very expensive. Guys that complain about the cost of options packages have never paid to do the add-ons later.

 

[Tulecreeper]

Every truck I've had until this one has been 4x4, and I always opted for the limited slip because I'm not always in 4x4 mode. If you wait until you're stuck to engage 4x4 you waited too long.

 

[Tulecreeper]

What's the point of 4WD if the diffs don't lock? If they are open, then you have 2WD in literal terms with 4WD selected, and 1WD in 2WD selection. I had a Mitsubishi Montero years ago (The tall boxy one like they use in the outback). We had the 1989 Christmas freeze here in S.E. Texas with temps at 6 degrees and -20 wind chill factor. Ice was on all the roads. The 4WD function on my truck was true 4WD with locking diffs. People everywhere were wrecking even in so-called 4WD vehicles that had open diffs. Mine was steady as a rock.

And, for the vast majority of the time, I operated it in 2WD on the street. So, yeah, get the locking differentials!

The OP is talking limited slip, not locking.

 

[JayLeonard]

I had a 89 Chevy 1500 that was 4wd without posi and it was fine in CT winters. I never got stuck anywhere.

 

[Dean2]

I had a 89 Chevy 1500 that was 4wd without posi and it was fine in CT winters. I never got stuck anywhere.

Yes, and I drove rear wheel drive, open axle cars for years and had very little trouble. Fact remains Limited Slip is an improvement, especially when driving in 2 wheel drive, and if buying new, why would you NOT get that on the truck.

 

[Mike Wenrich]

Good info. I can't seem to find a dealer or factory shipped truck on a lot that has it so I'm going to have to order the much more expensive 2024 edition. Besides that I am leaning toward a 410 ratio and those are not on lots either. The 2023's with a 6.4 are disappearing fast. Lots of Cummins still out there though.

 

[Dean2]

Good info. I can't seem to find a dealer or factory shipped truck on a lot that has it so I'm going to have to order the much more expensive 2024 edition. Besides that I am leaning toward a 410 ratio and those are not on lots either. The 2023's with a 6.4 are disappearing fast. Lots of Cummins still out there though.

Can you get the 2023 Cummins on clear out, rigged the way you want it for less or the sames as a new 2024 gas? If you can that may be well worth considering.

 

[ramffml]

I ordered my truck with limited slip, but if the right 4x4 came along with out it I'd definitely snap it up.

Today's electronic systems are getting better and better and can emulate what the limited slip does by braking the slipping wheel. If you were going offroading I'd suggest a true locker, but for your use case, it really doesn't matter. Don't overthink it for something you'll use a few times in the ownership of the truck.

My previous ride was a Jeep GC Laredo with all time 4wd. No limited slip whatsoever, and it was very sure footed as well.