Limited Slip Differential

Limited Slip Differential Description and Operation

Limited Slip Differential

The locking differential consists of the following components:

* Differential case
* Pinion gear shaft
* Differential pinion gear shaft lock pin
* Limited Slip Differential Clutch Disc Splined (Friction material on disc and splines on the inside of disc)
* Limited Slip Differential Clutch Disc Eared (Disc without friction material and ears to the outside of the disc)
* Differential side gears
* Differential clutch disc thrust washer
* Differential pinion gears
* Differential pinion gear thrust washers

In a conventional differential, if one wheel spins, the opposite wheel will generate only as much torque as the wheel with the least amount of traction. In a limited slip differential, part of the ring gear torque is transmitted through clutch packs which contain multiple discs. In operation, two forces engage the limited slip differential's clutches. The first is the pre-load force within the clutch packs. The second is the separating forces generated by the side gears as torque is applied through the ring gear. The limited slip design provides the action needed for turning corners and for driving in a straight line when traction is uneven. When one wheel loses traction, the clutch packs transfer additional torque to the wheel having the most traction. Limited slip differential resist wheel spin on bumpy roads and provides greater pulling power when one wheel loses traction. If both wheels slip due to unequal traction, limited slip operation is normal. Also in extreme case of unequal traction, the wheel with the least amount of traction may spin.

Differential Cooler

The differential cooler is designed to reduce the temperature of the rear differential fluid during high speed driving. The differential cooler system is controlled by a temperature switch (included with the differential cooler kit) located in the rear of the differential housing and functions when conditions require it to operate. The fluid capacity for the rear differential cooler is greater than the standard system.

The differential lubricant pump and cooler assembly is located under the vehicle and is mounted to the rear storage compartment well. The cooler module assembly consists of a pump, heat exchanger, electric fan, temperature switch, and assorted hoses/fittings. All components except the external lines, temperature switch, and fittings are located in the Cooler Module. Oil is pulled from the differential and pumped through a hose to the cooler/heat exchanger. The differential oil is cooled by dissipating heat as the 12 volt electric fan blows outside air over the heat exchanger. The cooled differential oil then returns to the differential. The differential cooler pump will not run until the differential fluid reaches 120C. The pump and electric fan can be turned on by bypassing the temperature switch with the plug included with the wiring harness.