Whats the diff: limited slip, posi, detroit locker?

[jerry w]

What is the difference between:

a limited slip differential

a positraction

detroit locker?

I am sure there must be advantages and disadvantages. Apreciate the time of all who answer.

Regards,

[Tommy]

I'm no expert, but here's what I think I know. Positraction is a specific brand name for a limited slip differential. Limited slip differentials use clutches in the differential to transfer power to the wheel that has the most traction. A Detroit Locker is the brand name of a locked differential that turns both rear wheels at the same speed regardless of traction. A locked differential is not very friendly on street cars that go around corners where the inside wheel must turn at a different speed than the the outside wheel.

[jerry w]

Thanks Tommy!

[mj_duell]

Dont forget Torsen differentials as well. They transfer power to the wheel with the most traction and are great for road racing or just plain fast cornering. This is accoplished by using parallel gearing instead of clutches and they are very strong. Ford sells a nice unit for the 8.8 .



--Mike

[simon clemens]

detroit locker I believe only locks both rear wheels when you put your boot on the gass, back off the gass when cornering and you will save your tyres.

Positraction diff I believe uses a fluid coupling.

LSD uses clutches.

SIMMO........

[autoxmike]

I believe the Detriot locker locks the rear wheels together when there is a speed difference between them - at all other times it is an open diff. It acts more like an on/off switch.

The Torsens are great for cornering (road race, autocross, etc). because they are very smooth and supply power to the wheel with the most grip. When cornering you don't want to waste any traction on quick "impulse" type inputs to the tires - such as quick turns of the steering wheel or the rear wheels locking an unlocking quickly (Dteroit Locker).

All Torsens are not created equal. The angle of the gears determine how much the maximum torque difference between the drive wheels can be before they stop transferring power to the wheel with the most traction. Another nice feature of a Torsen is that there is no clutch material to wear out (like most limited slip diffs, i.e. Auburn). Just keep reasonably fresh rear end lube in teh diff and they work well for a long time.

I prefer the Torsen, as I like to do track events and autocrosses. I think Drag Racers might prefer the Locker...

[jerry w]

Thanks Guys, this is a great website!