Limited Slip Question

[V8Exploder]

I have the 3.73 limited slip in my Ex and this weekend I got stuck in mud..... I know, ha ha, I'm an idiot. Anyways, when I first got stuck, both wheels were turning and getting me out a bit, but once I really got bogged down, only the passenger side was spinning and I got a good loud clicking sound coming from the axle. However, in a dirt lot the next day, I stabbed the gas a few different times and I always get both wheels to spin. Does this mean it is malfunctioning or is this normal operation ? I know its not a spool, but I always thought with a limited slip, the wheel with the most grip will get power and stop the one with no grip..... thanks for any input !

 

[MrShorty]

[A clutch type] LSD has all of the same components as an open differential, but it adds a spring pack and a set of clutches. Some of these have a cone clutch that is just like the synchronizers in a manual transmission.

The spring pack pushes the side gears against the clutches, which are attached to the cage. Both side gears spin with the cage when both wheels are moving at the same speed, and the clutches aren't really needed -- the only time the clutches step in is when something happens to make one wheel spin faster than the other, as in a turn. The clutches fight this behavior, wanting both wheels to go the same speed. If one wheel wants to spin faster than the other, it must first overpower the clutch. The stiffness of the springs combined with the friction of the clutch determine how much torque it takes to overpower it.

Getting back to the situation in which one drive wheel is on the ice and the other one has good traction: With this limited slip differential, even though the wheel on the ice is not able to transmit much torque to the ground, the other wheel will still get the torque it needs to move. The torque supplied to the wheel not on the ice is equal to the amount of torque it takes to overpower the clutches. The result is that you can move forward, although still not with the full power of your car. [In some cases, this isn't enough torque to move the car, and you sit there with one wheel spinning]

What you might be thinking of is a traction control system, that uses a computer, speed sensors, and the brakes to force the spinning wheel to stop so the power can go to the wheel with traction. For more information, you might read the entire article at http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential.htm

 

[unclemeat]

On a flat smooth dirt an open differntial will spin both tires, because each as equal traction. You LSD may be worn out. The clutches become worn over time and must be repaced. Or perhaps the grease in the differential lacks the friction modifier additive. If you experience this problem of getting stuck with only one wheel spinning you can use the parking brake to create resistance on the wheel that is slipping, it wont always work, but sometimes it will.

 

[CDW6212R]

Ditto, the traction lock diff. is a VERY LIMITED limited slip. It is for very light duty use. Ask it to do hard work, and one tire will spin like an open diff.
They work much better when they are less than 20,000 miles old, versus when they have 75k on them.
Either spend $250 plus labor for an aftermarket diff., or rebuild the TL with new frictions, plus an extra friction on each side. It is tight, but works better. Good luck,
DonW

 

[V8Exploder]

yeah, I have the ford friction modifier and really good fluid in the diff, I just changed it this summer, but I know its not a real kick ass system, just for light duty like was stated. It does a good job when both tires have fair traction, but when one has some traction and the other has none, its like an open diff almost.

 

[jimbo74]

if one tire has awesoem traction and the other has none, it becomes an open diff... the breaking point for the tires to spin on the ground is something insanely low, its like only 70 ft/lbs of torque

 

[wired_af]

Replace it with a torsen and no more worrying about the clutches.

 

[spindlecone]

On a flat smooth dirt an open differntial will spin both tires, because each as equal traction.

Correct me if I am wrong, but the above is not true IMO

 

[jimbo74]

Correct me if I am wrong, but the above is not true IMO

actually, an "open diff should send equal power to both tires all the time"... however real world variations will dictate that it will take the path of least resistance and thus only 1 will get the given power

 

[spindlecone]

actually, an "open diff should send equal power to both tires all the time"... however real world variations will dictate that it will take the path of least resistance and thus only 1 will get the given power

That was my experiance, even in dry gravel, I could never get two rears driving, thats why I went with the P.T unit

 

[V8Exploder]

an open diff does send power to both evenly, but when one slips, it has no device to seperate power differentation so it put all the power to the one slipping. I have seen cars with open diffs paint 2 stripes so to speak, but more often than not, they are spinning one wheel helplessly trying to fight for traction while the trac-lok axle will distribute the power more evenly, helping in low traction grip...... does that make any sense ? that is just the way I have known it to be. And about the torsions and what not, I'm not sure how those work. I like the idea behind air lockers, an open with very little wear on components when its off and a spool when its on... good times !