What's the difference between limited-slip, locking, posi-traction, and locked differentials?
Learn the difference between the 4 main designs of differentials and their benefits.
Alex
Last Update há 3 meses
What's the difference between the 4?
Limited-Slip Differentials (LSD):
A Limited Slip Differential (LSD) is designed to provide some degree of differentiation between the two drive wheels while still delivering power to both wheels. It accomplishes this through a mechanism that limits the speed difference between the two wheels. LSDs typically use a combination of clutch packs, gears, or viscous fluid to achieve this. While an LSD allows for some wheel slippage, it helps maintain traction and stability, making it suitable for both on-road and light-off-road applications.
Locking Differentials aka "Locker":
A locking differential, often referred to as a "locker," is designed to completely lock both drive wheels together, ensuring they rotate at the same speed, regardless of traction conditions. Lockers are engaged manually or automatically, and they are ideal for off-road or extreme traction scenarios where you need maximum traction for both wheels simultaneously. However, they can be challenging to drive on paved roads because they prevent any differentiation between the wheels during turns.
Posi-Traction Differentials aka "Posi":
Positraction is a term commonly associated with General Motors (GM) vehicles. It's essentially a marketing name for limited-slip differentials (LSDs) developed by GM. While Positraction is specific to GM, it's often used generically to refer to any LSD. The concept is the same: it allows for some differentiation between the drive wheels while still providing power to both.
Locked Differentials aka "Straight Axle":
A locked differential is one where both drive wheels are mechanically locked together at all times. Unlike an LSD or a locker, a locked differential doesn't allow any differentiation between the two wheels, even when turning. This configuration is typically found in heavy-duty trucks and off-road vehicles. Locked differentials provide maximum traction but can be challenging to maneuver on paved roads.
What are the pros and cons?
- Limited Slip Differential (LSD) allows for some differentiation between wheels while providing power to both.
- Locking Differential (Locker) locks both wheels together, ideal for extreme traction scenarios but challenging on paved roads.
- Positraction is a term often used to refer to LSDs, especially those in GM vehicles.
- Locked Differential mechanically locks both wheels together at all times, providing maximum traction but limiting maneuverability on pavement.