differentials
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Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Lexington, KY
differentials
This is a redundant question I'm sure, but I'd appreciate some help. What's the difference between open differentials, posi-traction, and locker rear ends. I own a 91 RS with the stock rear end. Thanks.
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Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 17,268
Likes: 169
From: 51°N 114°W, 3500'
Car: 87 IROC L98
Engine: 588 Alcohol BBC
Transmission: Powerglide
Axle/Gears: Ford 9"/31 spline spool/4.86
Simplest terms
Open differential applies power to the wheel with the least traction (one wheel burnouts)
Posi (GM term for a limited slip) applies power to both wheels equally but still allows the outside wheel to turn faster than the inside one when going around turns.
Lockers will lock both axles together. This can be done with spools, welded spider gears or stuff like detroit locker etc. Power is applied to both wheels equally however they will also turn the same speed when going around corners. This causes the outside tire to skid or slip across the ground. Some aftermarket lockers will automatically unlock in turns to prevent this from happening.
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Follow my racing progress on Stephen's racing page
and check out the race car
87 IROC-Z Pro ET Bracket Race Car
383 stroker (carbed) with double hump cast iron heads and pump gas
461 Big Block installed and ready for the 2001 racing season
Best results before the 383 blew up
Best ET on a time slip: 11.857 altitude corrected to 11.163
Best MPH on a time slip: 117.87 altitude corrected to 126.10
Altitude corrected rear wheel HP based on power to weight ratio: 476.5
Best 60 foot: 1.662
Racing at 3500 feet elevation but most race days it's over 5000 feet density altitude!
Member of the Calgary Drag Racing Association
87 IROC bracket car, 91 454SS daily driver, 95 Homebuilt Harley
Open differential applies power to the wheel with the least traction (one wheel burnouts)
Posi (GM term for a limited slip) applies power to both wheels equally but still allows the outside wheel to turn faster than the inside one when going around turns.
Lockers will lock both axles together. This can be done with spools, welded spider gears or stuff like detroit locker etc. Power is applied to both wheels equally however they will also turn the same speed when going around corners. This causes the outside tire to skid or slip across the ground. Some aftermarket lockers will automatically unlock in turns to prevent this from happening.
------------------
Follow my racing progress on Stephen's racing page
and check out the race car
87 IROC-Z Pro ET Bracket Race Car
383 stroker (carbed) with double hump cast iron heads and pump gas
461 Big Block installed and ready for the 2001 racing season
Best results before the 383 blew up
Best ET on a time slip: 11.857 altitude corrected to 11.163
Best MPH on a time slip: 117.87 altitude corrected to 126.10
Altitude corrected rear wheel HP based on power to weight ratio: 476.5
Best 60 foot: 1.662
Racing at 3500 feet elevation but most race days it's over 5000 feet density altitude!
Member of the Calgary Drag Racing Association
87 IROC bracket car, 91 454SS daily driver, 95 Homebuilt Harley
Supreme Member
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 2,860
Likes: 3
From: NE
Car: 82 camaro SC
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700r4
A locker unlocks and lock when turning(all of them do this) A powertrax locker is very streetable. A spool never unlocks. Welding the spiders is a poor-mans spool. Limited slip(posi) doesn't apply power equally to both tires, but it does apply power to the tire with the most traction(more power to the wheel with the least traction). An open rear gives all the power to the wheel with the least traction.
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82 camaro--original steering wheel, brake/gas pedals, seats--everything else modified
82camaro
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82 camaro--original steering wheel, brake/gas pedals, seats--everything else modified
82camaro
