Limited slip and locking differentials

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==Introduction==
 
==Introduction==
 
A limited slip (or "posi") differential (or "diff") is a means to apply power to the ground when traction is limited, by sensing which wheel has traction and applying force to it, while maintaining the wheel speeds to be different when turning instead of only to the wheel that is without traction like how an open diff works.
 
A limited slip (or "posi") differential (or "diff") is a means to apply power to the ground when traction is limited, by sensing which wheel has traction and applying force to it, while maintaining the wheel speeds to be different when turning instead of only to the wheel that is without traction like how an open diff works.
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In some isolated cases like the second generation Pontiac Trans Am, a 10-bolt 8.5" corporate LSD rearend was standard equipment, so they will  have a LSD if it's original (except cars specifically ordered with an open rearend).
 
In some isolated cases like the second generation Pontiac Trans Am, a 10-bolt 8.5" corporate LSD rearend was standard equipment, so they will  have a LSD if it's original (except cars specifically ordered with an open rearend).
  
So, checking whether a differential is limited slip or not isn't as simple as jacking up the rear of the car and turning the wheels, or seeing if both wheels spin when you hammer it. The only way to be 100% certain of what type of differential is in the rearend is to remove the cover (like in the case of a Salisbury-type rearend) or drop the center section (Hotchkiss-type rearend) and look to see what's inside.
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So, checking whether a differential is limited slip or not isn't as simple as jacking up the rear of the car and turning the wheels, or seeing if both wheels spin when you hammer it. The only way to be 100% certain of what type of differential is in the rearend is to remove the cover or drop the center section and look to see what's inside.
  
 
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|[[File:Detroit locker.jpg|thumb|350px|center|[http://www.eaton.com/Eaton/ProductsServices/ProductsbyCategory/Automotive/AutomotiveAftermarket/Differentials/PCT_221432 Eaton Detroit locker]]]
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|[[File:Detroit locker.jpg|thumb|550px|center|[http://www.eaton.com/Eaton/ProductsServices/ProductsbyCategory/Automotive/AutomotiveAftermarket/Differentials/PCT_221432 Eaton Detroit locker]]]
 
|[[File:ARB air locker.jpg|thumb|350px|center|[http://store.arbusa.com/Air-Lockers-C7.aspx ARB Air Locker]]]  
 
|[[File:ARB air locker.jpg|thumb|350px|center|[http://store.arbusa.com/Air-Lockers-C7.aspx ARB Air Locker]]]  
 
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|[[File:Eaton elocker.jpg|thumb|350px|center|[http://www.eaton.com/Eaton/ProductsServices/ProductsbyCategory/Automotive/AutomotiveAftermarket/Differentials/PCT_339903 Eaton ELocker]]]
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|[[File:Eaton elocker.jpg|thumb|450px|center|[http://www.eaton.com/Eaton/ProductsServices/ProductsbyCategory/Automotive/AutomotiveAftermarket/Differentials/PCT_339903 Eaton ELocker]]]
|[[File:Auburn ected max.jpg|thumb|300px|left|[http://www.auburngear.com/aftermarket/product_listing.aspx?category=8946f7ff-e4b5-4b07-b738-c6f9d7f93179ARB Auburn Ected Max]]]
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|[[File:Auburn ected max.jpg|thumb|310px|left|[http://www.auburngear.com/aftermarket/product_listing.aspx?category=8946f7ff-e4b5-4b07-b738-c6f9d7f93179ARB Auburn Ected Max]]]
 
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A welded diff has the dubious distinction of not only having all the drawbacks of a spool on the street, but also adds the danger of loss of control should the welds break and jam between the ring gear and pinion- which will lock the rear wheels. Not what you want to happen at ANY speed, let alone at the top end of a run, or while carving the canyons.
 
A welded diff has the dubious distinction of not only having all the drawbacks of a spool on the street, but also adds the danger of loss of control should the welds break and jam between the ring gear and pinion- which will lock the rear wheels. Not what you want to happen at ANY speed, let alone at the top end of a run, or while carving the canyons.
  
[[File:Welded spiders.jpg|thumb|250px|left|This abomination is what an open diff with welded spider gears looks like]]<br style="clear:both"/>
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[[File:Welded spiders.jpg|thumb|250px|left|This is what an open diff with welded spider gears looks like]]<br style="clear:both"/>
  
{{warning|The reason the spools and welded diff are shown here is so they can be identified if they're found inside a rearend. It should be stressed that the street is no place for a spool or welded spiders. 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 one of these without any problems. What '''should''' matter is that using either one on the street is a very unsafe practice that should be avoided altogether. A spool is a racing modification only. A welded diff is not safe on the street OR track. Just don't do it.}}
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{{warning|The reason the spools and welded diff are shown here is so they can be identified if they're found inside a rearend. It should be stressed that the street is no place for a spool or welded spiders. 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 one of these without any problems. What '''should''' matter is that using either one on the street is a very unsafe practice that should be avoided altogether. A spool is a racing modification only. A welded diff is not safe on the street OR track. '''''Just don't do it'''''.}}
  
 
==Resources==
 
==Resources==

Latest revision as of 23:30, 31 March 2023

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