I read through 4 threads (3 plus pages each) on putting a LS in the IFS diff on our trucks and there was no real resolution on whether it's a good idea or bad.

Most of the threads were great until page two when some ding bat would start bashing the IFS and talking about the "only way to wheel is with a SFA and dual lockers"... whatever.

So there is an Auburn LS for sale in the classifieds and I've been on the Auburn site and read about them, seems to be a well built product. So with that in mind I'm thinking that a LS would be a nice addition to the rig. I'm currently locked in the rear with an Aussie so there are not may places I can't go when I take the rig out. I do have problems in really slick places where the front end will spin a tire and then everything gets loose, yes I'm still a rookie to a lot of wheeling situations. Oh I guess I need to tell you all that I don't do crazy off camber, two wheels in the air, cliff climbing, technical stuff. My rig is a DD/camping/weekend wheeling rig. I use it mainly (when off road) for some scenic drives and to get out to some hard to reach fishing spots. Most of the time all four tires are on the ground and I like to keep it that way.

So if any of you have real exp with a LS up front (no I don't want this to turn into an argument over SFA vs IFS or some stupid crap like that) then let me know what you like and don't like. I have read about the brake pedal technique to get the front to "lock" but like I said I don't pick a tire very often.

Thank you for your time.

 

I run a truetrac up front (and the rear for that matter - hopefully an e-locker someday) and find it works well. Minimal extra steering effort and increased turning radius. Your brake system favors the front calipers so much that the brake pedal trick works well when its up front. I did some tricky trails this past weekend and found that whenever I started to lose momentum I would just push the gas a little more, stab the brake pedal, and I would regain traction. It's also really nice in the ice and snow where a full locker wouldn't be desirable.

My personal recommendation is that for the non-hardcore/DD/expedition rig, LS up front is a great choice.

 

I don't see how IFS or SFA makes any difference. A LSD is sweet up front when you need that little help up front and it doesn't hinder your steering like a locker does.
Auburn used to make their cone type LSD for the Toyota 8 inch back in the 90's. I had it in the rear at first but then moved it up front when I bought a locker because I needed more traction.

 

Hey thanks guys! That is the information I needed. I don't do anything crazy but have been stopped a few times on a trail when the open front provides zero traction. All of those times have been on snow/ice or rocks that are slick with water/mud. The rear locker can't push a rig when the front end is doing nothing when everything is slick. All of those times have been when all four tires are on the ground although I must admit that the tires I run are not very good on slick areas but I had to buy them due to the budget.

 

I say quit your whinin and get a SFA under it.



























Please don't hook me and gut me like a fish!!

 

BBP you keep talking all that trash and I'll kick you out of the RB4R club.....

 

What's RB4R??

 

ah c'mon!! lol!


quiet you.

 

You go out and paint your rig Royal Blue and we'll let you in.

 

That's what I'm talkin 'bout!

 

I can't. Just spent 40 bucks on a new o2 sensor instead of 8 rattle cans of royal blue. Maybe next time.


And by the way. Has ANY member of the RB4R club EVER waxed their rig?

Anyone? Bueller?

 

Yes I have!!



















five years ago....

 

I wax mine with trees and rocks.

 

back in the minivan days?

 

Junkers drove a minivan too?

 

Let us know how this works out...I was thinking of doing the same if I can. It's going to be a while...so much to do and so little $$$.

I like the idea of locked in rear (now that Aussie has one for the 3.0) and LSD in front. Gives you the best of both. You have more pullin up front and you can turn when needed.

I don't have experience with this setup but I believe it's the way to go for a DD/camping/trail runner. If you can drive 3 footed your golden.

 

That mini was locked front and rear.

 

 

I will. It's less expensive than another locker and I think it will be easier on the CV shafts.

 

Nice. I knew a bunch of mechanics that all loved those vans. The 4WD ones at least. They said they could go anywhere one those little tires. I'm still waiting for someone to join up with a 4WD Tercel Wagon.