Limited slip and locking differentials

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|[[File:Cutaway lsd clutchtype.jpg|thumb|center|300px|Cutaway view of a clutch-type LSD]]
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|[[File:Cutaway lsd clutchtype.jpg|thumb|center|300px|Cutaway of a clutch-type LSD]]
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|[[File:Limited slip diff cone.jpg|thumb|center|350px|Cutaway of a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limited-slip_differential cone-type] LSD]]  
 
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==Different ways used to get limited slip==
 
==Different ways used to get limited slip==
Limited slip is accomplished by different means, depending on the manufacturer, application and vehicle. There is the cone type LSD, there is the clutch type LSD, there are locking differentials (mechanical, pneumatic and electric operated) and all accomplish the same basic thing- applying power to the wheel having traction or basically both wheels simultaneously.
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Limited slip is accomplished by different means, depending on the manufacturer, application and vehicle. There is the cone type LSD, there is the clutch type LSD, there are viscous type, there are locking type differentials (mechanical, pneumatic and electric operated) and all accomplish the same basic thing- applying power to the wheel having traction or basically both wheels simultaneously.
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Depending on the type and application, there may be some slip allowed, i.e. the two wheels are not connected to one another directly, like in the case of the viscous, clutch, and cone types. In other cases (like the locking-type differentials), the wheels are directly linked while in the locked position.
  
 
==Spools==
 
==Spools==
 
A spool is not a differential, and isn't considered to be limited slip, either. A spool connects both wheels the same as if there were a live axle (think of a go kart from the '60s). In the case of a spool or mini spool (or welded spider gears), both wheels are turning the same speed all the time- even when going around a corner or doing parking lot maneuvers. This causes the inside wheel to rotate faster than it needs to when cornering or maneuvering. The result is reduced tread life, squealing of the tires even at slow speeds when turning, and a lot of stress on the rear end components. Not to mention a potential loss of control in low-traction conditions like ice, snow or rain.
 
A spool is not a differential, and isn't considered to be limited slip, either. A spool connects both wheels the same as if there were a live axle (think of a go kart from the '60s). In the case of a spool or mini spool (or welded spider gears), both wheels are turning the same speed all the time- even when going around a corner or doing parking lot maneuvers. This causes the inside wheel to rotate faster than it needs to when cornering or maneuvering. The result is reduced tread life, squealing of the tires even at slow speeds when turning, and a lot of stress on the rear end components. Not to mention a potential loss of control in low-traction conditions like ice, snow or rain.
  
There is no place for a spool on the street. Period. It matters very little to anyone who finds themselves upside down in a ditch that someone ''else'' claimed they drove on the street for 20 years with a spool without any problems. What '''should''' matter is that it is a patently unsafe practice that should be avoided altogether on the street. It is a drag racing modification only.  
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{{warning|The only reason the spool is shown here is so it can be identified if it's found inside a rearend, and to stress that there is no place for a spool on the street. Period. It matters very little to anyone who finds themselves upside down in a ditch that someone ''else'' claimed they drove on the street for 20 years with a spool without any problems. What '''should''' matter is that it is a patently unsafe practice that should be avoided altogether on the street. It is a racing modification only.}}
  
 
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Revision as of 17:42, 7 April 2012

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