This is a very basic question, I admit. In an open differential, is engine power transferred to only one wheel at a time? If so, is it always to the same wheel, or to the one with better traction. Also what is the difference between a sure grip differential and a locking one? Can someone point me to some reading on this subject? Thanks

_________________
"When you find a big kettle of crazy, it's best not to stir it." - Pointy-haired Boss

1964 Valiant V200, 225/Pushbutton 904
BBD, CAI, HEI, LBP, AC, AM/FM/USB, EIEIO

Thanks Slantvaliant! Now I know that in an open diff, the same amount of torque is always going to each wheel. If one wheel is on ice, the other wheel gets very little torque. In a limited slip differential, or LSD, the amount of torque needed to overcome the clutch in the differential is the amount going to the wheel with better traction. The article also covers locking and all-wheel-drive setups. Very informative.

I'd like to have a limited slip differential, but really don't need one for my typical driving.

_________________
"When you find a big kettle of crazy, it's best not to stir it." - Pointy-haired Boss

1964 Valiant V200, 225/Pushbutton 904
BBD, CAI, HEI, LBP, AC, AM/FM/USB, EIEIO

In my brothers BMW 2002 road race car he welded up the diff so its always locked. Gets better traction at speed in corners but its harder to push around corners in the pitts!

_________________

Grandpa's 1974 Dart Custom 4 door 225 auto, Aluminum Radiator, 1920 Holley.

Yep, did the same thing in my Volare demo derby car.


TopHat

I have the same deal in my 68 dart street car

I have the same thing on my "junk parts shelf".

_________________
Charrlie_S
65 Valiant 100 2dr post 170 turbo
66 Valiant Signet 170 nitrous
64 Valiant Signet
64 Valiant 4dr 170
64 Valiant 4dr 225

How is that working for you on the street? What size rear tires are you running?

I have considered grafting the one from the Volare over to my Dart, but I am afraid of breaking axles and chirping tires during tight turns. I know the swap is a PITA, so it was not really worth it.........yet.


TopHat

I would not run a spool or a welded diff on a street car. There is little or no advantage and lots of disadvantages. A sure grip or locker can be useful in some situations and detrimental in others.

_________________
David Kight
'62 Valiant Signet, White
'98 Dodge Dakota
'06 Jeep Liberty

Growing older is unavoidable but growing up is strictly optional.

It actually works okay, but my driving only consists of a 10 minute drive to and from high school, and work is about the same distance. I only got my full lisence late last summer, so i never really had the chance to see what would happen in longer drives or tighter turns. I have bbp axles from Dr. Diff, so breaking axles is not a huge concern for me, but im still kinda paranoid about it, and ya the tires do chip a bit in turns. If i could afford a sure grip, i would probably use it, but untill then, the lincoln locker stays!