How Different Types Of Differentials Work

[DonPowers]

Watched a YouTube video the other day and came across these videos of how different types of differentials work. Just passing them along for anyone that may be interested.


How Differential Gear Works

Understanding Limited Slip Differential

Torsen Differential, How It Works

Working of Limited Slip Differential

 

[dlcwent]

One post. Should help some folks understand what is going on in there.

 

[theoldwizard1]

The Torsen is REALLY unique/interesting !

Ford has gone to an E-locker (option) on F150. Make sense because most folks want a "locked" axle at low speeds, "on-demand". The design is very simple (low cost) depending how much the licensing fee to Eaton is.

How Eaton's E-Locker Technology Works

Eaton E-Locker in Action

 

[tinker rick]

Wish my locker was a Torsen.

 

[bobcatdan]

One of the big points of the FX4 level 2 package on my '03 ranger was a Torsen rear diff. That little truck could really go threw stuff. I was 20 when I bought it brand new and thought, damn it I bought the off road package and I'm going to use it. Probably drove threw more **** with it then I should have a brand new truck. Only got stuck once when I high centered on the transfer case skid plate.

 

[birmingham]

I have never seen a Torsen rear differential, very interesting idea. I wonder how well it wears? also what about high torque seems like a lot of stress can be put on that worm gear in a shock load situation.

Also aren't most differentials "electronically" controlled now days, the just put the break on on the tire thats spinning?

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have never seen a Torsen rear differential, very interesting idea. I wonder how well it wears? also what about high torque seems like a lot of stress can be put on that worm gear in a shock load situation.

For many years, the Torsen was the best and only answer for off road/rally racing. It was even widely used on the center differential of many 4 wheel drive systems.

Torsens were/are expensive because they were only made by 1 company (or under license from that company) and the tooling required to make those gears is very unique !

With modern synthetic, high pressure lubricants, I would not worry about excessive wear.

Also aren't most differentials "electronically" controlled now days, the just put the break on on the tire thats spinning?

Many/most are ! The ABS system senses on wheel turning (much) faster than the other and applies the brake on just that wheel. It does help, but nothing like a real LSD/locker.


ANy feedback from F150 owners with an E-locker.

 

[ripperd]

For many years, the Torsen was the best and only answer for off road/rally racing. It was even widely used on the center differential of many 4 wheel drive systems.

Torsens were/are expensive because they were only made by 1 company (or under license from that company) and the tooling required to make those gears is very unique !

With modern synthetic, high pressure lubricants, I would not worry about excessive wear.

My Honda S2000 has a torsen rear differential. Some other sports cars use them as well I believe. It works very well. The S2000's is not particularly strong though. If you shock load it too many times or put too much HP through it it will break. But if you don't sidestep the clutch or do major HP upgrades you generally don't have to worry about it.

 

[Lt1cobra]

Yes, the torsen was the differential used in Audi S1/S2/urs4 and it performed very well (had an urS4 for a few years). I belive it was let go because of either cost or fuel efficiancy demands? Perhaps both?

 

[Steevo]

A friend used to race Mustangs and had third party Torsen differentials in them (American something was the maker). Their traction in turns was far superior to anything else I have ever driven.
They were/are very impressive differentials/axles.

 

[the gypsy]

I had seen somewhere that the torsen doesn't work well when there is no traction on all wheels. Is it true?

 

[theoldwizard1]

I had seen somewhere that the torsen doesn't work well when there is no traction on all wheels. Is it true?

So what does work when you are driving on a hockey rink ?

 

[ripperd]

I had seen somewhere that the torsen doesn't work well when there is no traction on all wheels. Is it true?

Yes, at least in the S2000 there does need to be some minnimum miniscule load.

I read this once as well, and then experienced it.

Leaving my neighborhood there is a little bit of a rise to the T where i get onto a county road. If you hit that turn quick at just the right angle one of the rear tires will be in the air for just a second. The torsen unloads into the wheel in the air and it spins it up. As soon as it sets down the diff locks and if you were giving er at all you are suddenly in a pretty good power slide.

 

[1969]

Watching.....

 

[Tim C]

I had seen somewhere that the torsen doesn't work well when there is no traction on all wheels. Is it true?

That's true but you can get it to grab by applying the brakes a little. It will cause it to start sending power to the other wheel if one is on ice or in the air.

As far as the torsion diffs strength I had one in my old tow rig/dd. An 03 f250 with the 6.0 diesel. I blew the stock lsd up with a race tune and trashed the housing. I bought a junkyard axle but it was an open diff so I stuffed a detriot trutrac in it which is a torsion diff. It had 100000 miles on it and still going strong when I traded last month. Dragging a 10,000 lb trailer up a gravel and washed out hill up to our cabin to go four wheeling it would pull both rear tires.

My new 16 f250 has the e locker. I've not used it yet but it is basically a spool when engaged and open otherwise I believe. You can leave it on by the switch and the computer disengages above 20 mph automatically and re applies when you slow back down.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

 

[ford33]

Thanks for posting. I found those videos very interesting.

 

[Zeke]

Most of it is electronic now. Well, on the high end anyway.