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.