Rear Drive Axle - Locking/Limited Slip Rear Axle

Locking Differential Description and Operation
The locking differential consists of the following components:
^ Differential carrier
^ Locking differential spider
^ 2 clutch discs
^ Locking differential side gear
^ Locking differential clutch disc guide
^ Differential side gear shim
^ Locking differential governor
^ Latching bracket
^ Cam plate
The locking differential allows for normal differential function as indicated in the standard rear axle description. Additionally, the locking differential uses multi-disc clutch packs and a speed sensitive engagement mechanism that locks. both wheels together if 1 wheel spins excessively during slow vehicle operation. Under light loads, the clutch plates alone tend to lock the axle shafts to the differential case, and therefore, locking each other. This is due primarily to the gear separating the load developed on the right clutch pack. This induced clutch torque capacity resists motion between the side gear and the axle differential case. The differential allows the wheels to turn at different speeds while the axle shafts continue to transmit the driving force. Heavier throttle application will cause an axle speed difference. This action starts the full-lock feature of the unit. You can accomplish full-lock through the use of a heavyweight governor mechanism, a cam system and a multi-disc pack. The flyweights on the governor mechanism move outward in order to engage a latching bracket whenever the wheel-to-wheel speed varies by approximately 100 RPM or more. This action retards a cam which, in turn, compresses the multi-disc clutch packs locking both of the side gears to the case. The 100 RPM wheel-to-wheel speed allows for cornering with the differential lockup. At vehicle speeds above approximately 32 km/ (20 mph), the latching bracket overcomes a spring preload and swings away from the flyweights. At this vehicle speed, or greater, the differential is designed not to lock since added traction is generally not needed. The axle parts of the vehicles equipped with the locking differential are interchangeable with those equipped with the conventional differential, except for the case assembly.

Limited Slip Differential Description and Operation
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 preload force exerted through the Belleville spring washers 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 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 cases of unequal traction, the wheel with the least amount of traction may spin.