Limited Slip

[Dusty_Duster]

What, exactly, is limited slip, and what does it do? I know it gives you better traction during acceleration and cornering, but how does it work? And what's the difference between and open and locked differential?

I'm asking this because my truck has a limited slip differential, and I was wondering what the advantages of this were.

[tryingbe]

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential.htm
http://www.drivingfast.net/technology/Differentials.htm
http://www.streetandcircuit-shop.biz...ls-14120-c.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limited_slip_differential

[t3rse]

there are a bunch of types of limited slip diffs. some reading will do you well. a locker has teeth and will click real bad around corners and maybe drag the outside wheel a little. clutch types apply pressure to the spider gears but tend to wear out faster. atb type (quaife, obx, kaaz) is the best for turning but takes a little longer to even out torque so they "shimmy" a little when dragging, but not so bad as to be dangerous as long as you hold on tight. there's a quick synopsis.

[Dusty_Duster]

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential.htm
http://www.drivingfast.net/technology/Differentials.htm
http://www.streetandcircuit-shop.biz...ls-14120-c.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limited_slip_differential

Thanks for the link. The first one is especially helpful.

Anyone know what kind of limited slip came on the '01 Rams? The dealer I bought it from said it had a "Trac Lock" differential. Is that a Torsen type?

[BadAssPerformance]

Trac Loc is a locker...

simply put there are 4 general types:

open - no left to right power bias
limited slip - limited left to right power bias (limited by clutches or gears)
locker - open diff until it locks then see spool (can be centrigugal or physically locked like electric or air lockers)
spool - left and right are connected, no actual differential to bias left to right

.....thread moved to 'trans' section for future reference

[Dusty_Duster]

Trac Loc is a locker...

simply put there are 4 general types:

open - no left to right power bias
limited slip - limited left to right power bias (limited by clutches or gears)
locker - open diff until it locks then see spool (can be centrigugal or physically locked like electric or air lockers)
spool - left and right are connected, no actual differential to bias left to right

.....thread moved to 'trans' section for future reference

But there's no button on my dash or any where else to lock my rear diff. Plus, it uses synthetic fluid with a "friction modifier."

[t3rse]

lockers can be spring loaded too. most factory lockers are clutch type.

[Dusty_Duster]

lockers can be spring loaded too. most factory lockers are clutch type.

Ok, thanks for the info, guys!

[BadAssPerformance]

lockers can be spring loaded too. most factory lockers are clutch type.

exactly... what I refered to as 'centrifugal' ... get it on some snow or even wet pavement and hit the gas, it should spin the right rear then bam, sideways