which type differential do YOU prefer and why?

Open differential?

these operate on a spider gear system allowing either wheel to operate independatly when needed. If one wheel gets stuck the other will spin still. unfortunately this can work against you as in if one wheel brakes traction all the power will be distributed to that wheel.

LSD (limited slip differential)?

these operate (mostly) on a clutch type system that still allows a certain of slip but will grab and give both wheels grip. These are great for wet weather traction but not so fun when you want to light em up

Spool?

This replaces your differential all together and makes it so all the power is tranfered to the wheels at ALL times evenly. This makes it incredibly difficult to steer because where a traditional diff would allow your wheels to spin at different speeds when turning this makes both wheels spin constantly in turning. since the outside wheel makes more revoltuions than the inside to complete a turn the inside wheel is prone to spinning badly. These are great for straightlines!



Which do you prefer?

 

LSD----best way to go for pretty much any street car---what about locked rear ends????

 

as in welded? FOR SHAME!! hahaha


you must have a bit of DSM in you...

 

I was under the impression that spools were circle track only type of thing like dirt track shit there.

 

I would think spools would be way more desirable in drags than oval racing. If at all in oval racing! Unless its a World of Outlaws dirt oval where they stagger the tires to make up for the different distances that the tires have to travel in the corners. I would go LSD for street/strip without a doubt. My 78 Roadrunner had a 8-3/4 Sure-Grip (Posi is a GM word.. hehe) and they offered the cone type and clutch type. The Clutch type was prefered i believe.

Speaking of LSDs the FWD Dodge gang is getting together a group order so we can get Quaife to tool and produce LSDs for our Auto trans. The LSD would also work in neon autos so if anyones interested let me know! We need 25-30 people to commit before they can start production. So if any neon guys are looking for a badass LSD nows the chance. Itll probably be now or never. For details go here http://www.thedodgegarage.com/quaife_diff.html

 

There are mainly 2 types of Honda made LSDs:

Gear Type or Clutch Type

A third type is Viscous but its very rare and expensive.
Gear Types have gears inside of them that mesh/engage together when load is detected. This type is good to have because youll probably never have to replace worn internal LSD parts unlike the clutch type. The downside is that they can internally break if your into rough circut racing. Lifting a front wheel in a turn and landing back on it is how the LSD can break. Real stiff suspension is a major factor in making a car lift during a turn.

Clutch Types have small clutches inside that engage when load is being detected. These LSDs wont break if you happen to lift a wheel. The only real downside to this type of LSD is wearing of the clutches. Just like the clutch disc inside of your tranny the clutches inside this LSD wear out too and needs replacement.

Viscous Type are similar to the viscous LSDs used in some AWD vehicles. The way these work is that a special fluid is used in the differential THICKENS when excessive slip is induced. Stators and impellors in the diff make this even more efficient. Although there is a slight delay in locking of the differential they work very well and last a long time.According to my resources these were special order LSDs for JDM 96-97 ITR integras only. No other countries would receive this optional LSD only Japan. The cost was about twice as much as a the common Gear type found in all ITRs and CTRs. One odd thing though Honda of Japan does NOT have this optional LSD type for 98+ ITRs! Im pretty sure it fits in 98+ ITR trannys though.

Hope this could help you out some Taylor.

 

MY car has two lsds although one of them will be welded soon...(the middle one for those of you curious)

 

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So many Diffs so little time...

I have an open a welded and an LSD. But I am norrow minded and only like going straight. But it is fun chirping the tires when parking. Backing up sucks. I wouldnt recommend a spool or welded diff to people who drive on the street a lot. I personally would have 3 Torsen diffs if i could afford them.

 

I go for the LSD....seeing as how my truck has 2 of them and the camaro has one ....Ive come attached to them....and with all that torque mumbo jumbo I still have no trouble lighting them up on the camaro....gitter dun!