Does the 2019 Ranger have a LSD? An Investigation

[Geoff]

I think your link is broke. Is this what you were talking about?

https://social.ford.com/en_US/story/vehicle-type/truck/first-look-at-the-2019-ford-ranger.html

"Power is distributed through a Dana® limited-slip differential on both 2WD and 4WD models."

I noticed in the same article it states "Driver and passengers can charge devices via available 400-watt, 110-volt AC power outlets and USB ports." but in the actual 2019 Ford Ranger Owners Manual it states "The power outlet temporarily turns off power when in fault mode if the device exceeds the 150 watt limit." So is the article right and it's a 400w outlet or is the owners manual correct at 150w?

I put my money on the actual Ford Ranger site: https://www.ford.com/trucks/ranger/
Scroll down and see the Enhanced traction part..... if you build a truck there is no option for LS differential.
The "First Look" article linked above is exactly that a first look. It has a few errors when compared to the current build it pages.

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[HoosierT]

That's good actually. https://socialford.com click on first look 2019 ford ranger. Now we're done here.

Yep I agree with Geoff on this one so I would say no, we’re not done here for the sake of ensuring accurate info. As my dad works for Ford out of the Cincinnati plant he confirmed that the non-locking diff is a code 71 open differential which comes on all models with no locking diff. Whether the x73 locker is a LSD is still yet to be confirmed but in the behavior mine exudes when losing traction, I’m fairly certain it’s not. I’ve had a couple of RWD cars with an LSD and they didn’t struggle like my truck in certain conditions.

 

[Pinecrestjim]

That social.ford article was written before they began manufacturing the Ranger. Look for the paragraphs that are written in future tense.

I'm not arguing; lets all work towards getting the correct information as HoosierT stated. Ford is all over the place on this truck. Their 2018 towing guide for example lists only two axles for the Ranger - a non-limited slip and a limited slip, and under electronic locking states not available. We all know that isn't true. Like with other features on the as-manufactured Ranger, the literature and information being disseminated doesn't necessarily agree with the actual vehicle.

 

[t4thfavor]

Jack up the rear axle and while unlocked turn one wheel, if the other rotates the same way its an LSD, if it rotates the opposite way its open. I get 4x4 because I live between cornfields and snow often drifts to 4+ feet in places. This happens for days after snow is done falling, and I gotta go places

 

[pannwfn]

Went to dealer today here it is.

 

[Geoff]

Went to dealer today here it is.

So that confirms the open differential or electronic locker availability (and no limited slip option).
I'm a bit surprised Ford didn't offer a LS or locker option for the front 4x4 axle.
I trust the Raptor will have that option.

 

[Pinecrestjim]

Went to dealer today here it is.

Thank you for helping to clear this up.
I really wish Ford's marketing literature wasn't so inconsistent to cause such confusion.

 

[pannwfn]

Thank you for helping to clear this up.
I really wish Ford's marketing literature wasn't so inconsistent to cause such confusion.

Me too.. But it is not a bad thing, dealer said it's for flat towing behind your $500000.00 RV or you want the cheapest new truck.

 

[t4thfavor]

So I did some tests today, I can say that both rear wheels spun, I have the locking diff with an FX4 package, I had the axle lock off, and both wheels turned at the same time, so there is either a brake actuated LSD, or an actual LSD in the axle.

I'll also be doing the jack up the rear test to see which way they spin with the vehicle off.


EDIT: It's electronic brake wizardry as the wheels turn opposite ways when jacked up off the ground. Second EDIT: I forgot to put it in neutral, so all bets are off

 

[Geoff]

Turn traction control off and see if both wheels spin. The internal diagram shows no clutches for LS capability.

 

[MotoWojo]

I remember a video early on that explained somewhat the algorithm used with the open diff. Basically it uses the speed sensors and braking on the wheel without traction to send torque to the other wheel. After 3 F150s and a mustang that all eventually had issues with the limited slip, I am eager to see how well this works? I don't plan on doing much off-roading, so I hope I don't regret not ordering the locker. I needed/wanted 4x4, heated leather seats, and the push button start, so that put me in a Lariat and my pocket book limited me as to what options to choose.

 

[Geoff]

Not only that Limited Slip is not gas mileage friendly. Every time you round a corner those clutch discs have to move [slip] and that takes energy which eats a tad more gas. Adds up after a while.

 

[t4thfavor]

My Focus ST had the brake LSD, it worked ok at regular power levels, but quickly ate brakes and stopped working well at higher than stock power levels. They didn't show the brakeout for the diff carrier though, it could be a self contained package (big emphasis on Could). I suspect it's open except for the brake thingy. We're getting 9" of snow (hoping for more) where I'm at, so tomorrow I should be able to get video if my wife is willing to hold the camera.

 

[Geoff]

I presumed that it would have shown clutches if they existed because they are wear items. I cannot fathom having clutches in a locker rear end tho.

 

[pannwfn]

Seen as I stepped in this I will go to dealer and find out.

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