>From: Douglas Frank <frank@zk3.dec.com>
>Reply-To: Douglas Frank <frank@zk3.dec.com>
>To: Triumph List <triumphs@autox.team.net>
>Subject: Re: Differential Terms
>Date: Tue, 06 Jun 2000 15:18:43 -0400
>
>"Kai M. Radicke" wrote:
> >
> > What are the various differences between different types of
> > differentials?
>
>OK I'll take a shot.
>Did I pass?
Close, but no cigar...
>
> > a) Posi-Drive
>
>Don't know. Did you mean "Posi-Traction?" (a Ford trademark).
>
> > b) Locked/welded a reg'lar "open" diff that's been welded
>up so it won't "differentialize" any more. Both wheels driven
>equally at all times. Used for race only (unless you like broken axles and
>a beast that's next to impossible to drive on the street).
>
>
> > c) Limited Slip
Example#1.
>(Aka. "Detroit locker":) some have complex gear setups that "freeze" when
>you stomp the gas,but unlock (to become an open diff once again) when you
>ease off.
Not quite... The "locker rear has a "relatively simple mechanism
that uses centrifugal force to lock both axles together. When the
wheel with grip spins the "ratchets/pins" slide out of their
inner case to "lock with the outer case which is connected to the
other axle. "Hook up" can be as gentle as a slight pull to the
left on acceleration, to a sudden "clunk" and lurch to the left
on accel. Generally, a locker ain't subtle.
Example #2.
Traditional limited slip:
The mechanism uses a set of springs and clutches to perform
basically the same task as the "locker". Hook-up is gentle enough
to be almost undetectable... Incidently, a posi rear can be
adjusted almost to the point that it performs much like a locked
or welded rear.
Greg Petrolati (10 years with a Detroit Locker and no plans to get something
else... unless i get a REALLLLLY good deal).
Greg Petrolati Champaign, Illinois 1962 TR4 (CT4852L)
That's not a leak... My car's just marking its territory...
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