I would like opinions/observations from those who have installed the Mitsubishi LSD in the front. I have a very nice Conquest LSD ready to install but after reading about possible handling issues I'm apprehensive.

Have you experienced any ill handling on snow/ice?

Does the truck not want to turn?

On dirt/gravel is the effort needed to steer increased?

Would you say any negative effects are negligible compared to the increased traction?

Would you do it again?

Would appreciate any input you may have.

Cal <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

So far I haven't had as strong a "reaction" to the handling as Phil. I do feel a difference when the hubs are locked. I have had mine in snow with my aged tires and it chugs right through. I have not actually wheeled it yet. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> One thought that I have on my versus Phil's first reactions is that I may have a more worn clutch pack. If you read my threads on the "The Project," you'll see a common theme the Quest donor being a rather worn out old gal.

Kevin_C has posted about R&R on the LSD using thicker shims to bring its 'friction' back into spec. Had I known more about things back when I put it in, I would have looked into that first. Also, there is a reported history of the LSD being prone to some sort of crack failure [in the carrier?]. Big Blue says he's seen a bunch, and poor Gragdweller found one the hard way (sorry again about that!). There is something that can be done to examine it.

A shop had installed the front LSD for the previous owner. Unfortunatly, one of my front axles keep pulling out of the differential so I have not been able to do too much testing.

I had to use the 4wd on and off with the hubs locked for an hour on the highway due to a snow storm a little while ago. on the snowy highway roads and the hubs locked you can definetly feel it pulling, but you get used to it and it feels normal after a while. Driving through the woods in over a foot of snow, I could just turn it in any direction and it would just go where ever I turned the wheels in the same place that my SWB would get stuck all the time. The only time you can feel it pulling alot is when you hit dry patches of pavement in 4wd, then it feels funny.

I also noticed that on snow/icy covered roads driving around the turns it is a little scary. Just take your time and don't go fast and it's just fine.

I also went from an SWB with open diffs to an LWB with LSD front and rear so I am sure there are some big differences there.

In 2WD mode I have never noticed anything different from when the front was open. I have yet to be in a low traction situation in 2WD, though. Put it in 4WD on pavement and you will notice that the stearing effort increases significantly when making turns. This is much less noticable out on the trail, though I would say that the turning radius is higher now. Haven't had her in 4WD in the snow so I can't comment there.

Out on the trails I've been very pleased with the improvement. I have no real negatives to report and would certainly do it again.

I would like to make sure I understand the changes I would experience on the road. We get quite a bit of snow and ice here, and before I make a change like this I need to be sure I'm doing the right thing.

With Active-Trac, I can expect lot's of problems or very slow going? Is this just on dry pavement, or is it in the snow as well. Does this tend to be eliminated when in 4WD or is it worse?

If it's just a matter of steering being stiffer, I don't mind that. But if cornering is iffy, I would be concerned. There isn't a straight road within 60 miles of me in any direction, and with the weather here, I don't even want to think about.

Perhaps I should wait until I can afford the locker?

Are you trying to high jack my post? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shame.gif" alt="" /> This thread pertains to Star/Quest LSD installed in a Gen I front.

Cal <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

the front end is the same. Don't try to chastise me <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/butwiggle.gif" alt="" />.

I'm asking questions from those who have a LSD in their truck. It appears that you do not.

I'm new to this board, but it seemed to me, if you have questions of your own, you should start your own thread.

But what do I know, I'm new.

Cal <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

Stewart-

I have a '95 SR, like SRMan's.

I have similar questions, and his, mine, and your interests would seem to be complimentary.

If somebody answers some of his additional questions, you would benefit too, no? I know I am interested in the answers to your questions because, although our rigs are not the same, I hope that many of the sam physical principles will apply.

We all benefit as this is an Open Forum for discussion.

Any negative effects are offset by the addded traction.
Nothing works on ice.
The LSD or air locker is recommended for the front. Don't go with a Lincoln or locker in the front.
Not recommended to be in 4WD and locked in on dry pavement.
Steering in dirt, gravel and mud is great.
You'll love it. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />
Bob Shaw