Thread: Rear End

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Originally posted by Henry Rifle
Condensing is fine, if it's correct. It wasn't, so here's the tech article.

Interesting logic, but, well, . . . . nope. It's pretty hard to understand posi, but not understand limited slip, since they're the same thing.

Start with the reason a limited slip differential is necessary. Because an open differential will always transmit an equal amount of torque to both rear wheels. If one wheel slips, zero torque is transmitted to the ground by that wheel. Zero torque is also then transmitted to the wheel WITH traction, so the wheel cannot transmit the torque to the ground to move the car.

Limited slip is a type of differential will (at least partially) split the torque to the wheels based on the amount of traction available to each. Positraction is a brand name (GM) for their limited slip differential. Other companies use terms like Traction Lok or TrueTrack. The reason it's called limited slip is because it needs to slip some when going around a corner, and it never fully locks up. However, limited slip does NOT mean that the positive traction effort goes away on the turn.

There are several types of limited slip differentials, but the most common in cars are the clutch type (like the GM Posi) and cone types (like the Auburn), or gear types (like the Detroit Truetrack). A these types of limited slip differential will continue to provide the torque splitting action, even going around a corner.

Your statement was closer to being accurate for locking differentials such as the Detroit locker. These differentials use a rachet action to lock the two axles together under power. When you go around a corner, they unlock - usually with a clunk - to provide true differential action. But, if you keep the power on, the axles stay locked, and an oversteer condition (push) occurs.

I thought positraction stood for positive traction, guess not. Thanks Henrey, that clears things up for me, at least now I know what's what when it comes to diffs.

Hi guys, I have been trying to find, (learn) out about diffs, eg, I have a GM 10 bolt diff in my Bucket. I don't know any more about it then that, and I almost forgot, it only smokes one wheel. The gears seem to be ideal for open road cruising, I think from memory when doing 60mph the motors is doing approximately 2000rpm. Question time.... what are the advantages of changing to a LSD apart from smoking both tyres??? How can you find what diff gears you have without dimantling the diff??? Should I just be content with what I have and start acting my age and drive more sedately

Okay guys I just searched this thread out again and I still have the same question,maybe I need to search (goggle) for the answers or I need alot more information to giv so that I get a more informed answer,but I am really a novice when it comes to the rearend of vehicles. One reason I am asking is that a modified car up my street seems to have a locked diff as whenever he turns out of our street one can hear the inside rear scuffs the tyre as if it is trying to drive the car around the corner also. The diff in my bucket only drives or skids only one wheel and I wonder if a LSD diff would be a better advantage to me. I have never drag raced my car on a strip although it is something I would like to try,but the car is more for street use.