Diffs Diff

Mon Nov 21, 2005 8:28 pm

I'm sure this is a bit of a dumb question, but whats the dif between a normal diff and a LSD? is it as it sounds, less likelyhood of spinning? Is that the only difference?
thanks.

Mon Nov 21, 2005 9:00 pm

basically, the L (limited) S (slip) D (differencial) limits the amount of slip in the diff

serious now. regular diff works in the effect that a car turning will have the inner wheels rotating slower than the outer ones,

the diff allows this to take place without the tires being dragged or the shafts put under too much tourque.

problem is, when power is applied to the regular or "open" diff, it strangely recognises the wheel which is in movement (or the wheel which has the least grip), so a wheelspin with only one wheel can sometimes occour, although 2 wheeled wheelspins are possible.

the LSD allows the diff to "lock up" when the rotation of a single driveshaft exceeds a certain speed / percentage.

this means an equal power will be given to both wheels, which is very usefull in maintaing a powerslide as both wheels will provide a constant tranfer of drive.

the lsd lock percentage varys, and some stockists / tuners provide adjustable lsds. but most avarage between 25 and 40%

Mon Nov 21, 2005 9:14 pm

Wow, the're pretty clever then. So for everyday normal driving my normal diff will be fine I guess??

Mon Nov 21, 2005 9:21 pm

more than fine, just dont be nuttinÃƒ”šÃ‚´ it on bends and stuff, especially in this weather

Mon Nov 21, 2005 9:54 pm

Johnono pretty much said it all, it's like a diff-lock which switches itself on and off, really handy.

Mon Nov 21, 2005 9:58 pm

johnono wrote:more than fine, just dont be nuttinÃƒ”šÃ‚´ it on bends and stuff, especially in this weather

Open diffs are really a lot safer for the inexperienced driver, as they won't lock up suddenly under cornering throwing the back of the car out. LSD's do enable you to hold a slide better but only really in the hands of an experienced driver. An open diff will generally spin any excess power away through the inside wheel.

Mon Nov 21, 2005 10:00 pm

OllieB wrote:
johnono wrote:more than fine, just dont be nuttinÃƒ”šÃ‚´ it on bends and stuff, especially in this weather
Open diffs are really a lot safer for the inexperienced driver, as they won't lock up suddenly under cornering throwing the back of the car out. LSD's do enable you to hold a slide better but only really in the hands of an experienced driver. An open diff will generally spin any excess power away through the inside wheel.

not seen one throw out in mid lock , but otherwise exactly true

Mon Nov 21, 2005 10:05 pm

Will stay with what i have then, still getting used to the beast and as you say wrong time of year, I remember my old capri days with puckered sphincter!!!
cheers guys.

Mon Nov 21, 2005 10:07 pm

still... you guys reckon its worth once you get used to yuor car ?? been thinking about it myself lately

Jose

Mon Nov 21, 2005 10:13 pm

iÃƒ”šÃ‚´ll give u an example of why the everyday e30Ãƒ”šÃ‚´er needs an LSD

Over here we get snow. i dont mean salt shaker snow, or im having fun with talcum powder snow. i mean snow, like u had when father christmas was alive.

now,.. for some dumb reason i decided to pull over and park my car, with one wheel on the road, and one wheel on the (now roadside slush) snowfilled verge.

all good u say, untill i tried to pull off. . . .

then i found out i didnt own an lds, because the snowed side just kept spinnin like fack, and i sat there like a lemon going "this is why u need an lsd"

true story

Mon Nov 21, 2005 10:21 pm

lsd diff it is then, I heard that it is practical as it delivers the power better to the wheels, it doesn't slip as much as per your story Johono, and fckin difficult to find

Jose

Mon Nov 21, 2005 10:24 pm

don't have too much problems with the snow, but rain, oh the rain, muddy verges, pretty similar I would expect.
I noticed on ebay the LSD was about 4 times the price of a open one though.

Tue Nov 22, 2005 1:07 pm

Slipp diffs are easy to find on the zone. I don't think they are necessary unless you are going to be doing some really spirited driving, and you know what u are doing. They also enable you to do a proper donut, which is always fun...

Tue Nov 22, 2005 7:23 pm

All sounds a bit expensive for the sets of new tyres.

Tue Nov 22, 2005 7:27 pm

LSD is worth it if you are gonna be driving it properly.. if not open is fine

Tue Nov 22, 2005 8:31 pm

what a about a fully locked diff i.e. welded up how would that work or handle?

Tue Nov 22, 2005 8:56 pm

stappin wrote:what a about a fully locked diff i.e. welded up how would that work or handle?

No no no on a daily driver, the wheels need to be able to turn at varying speeds..the whole point of a diff in the first place, and in the wet, or slippery conditions, it would be a nightmare (or fun for some!).

Welded diff is only good for drifting!