| From | Message |
techknow
Dodge Dakota
8/23/2001
22:14:08
|
 Subject: Questions of Ltd. Slip Differential
IP: Logged
Message:
What exactly does this do? I have a 2000 4.7L Automatic, what can I do to increase it, and what do I buy, and who can install it? :)
Thanks
Mark
'00 CC 4.7L Black Dak Sport
my page
|
TigerDak
Dodge Dakota
8/23/2001
23:53:43
|  RE: Questions of Ltd. Slip Differential
IP: Logged
Message:
Just think of an "LSD" as a set of gears that is installed in the rear axle. If your truck is "4x4", that means that your rear right tire, and your front left tire, are powered when engaged in the "4x4" mode. That's all. Only two real tires are powered.
However, when you add an LSD, then those two tires are powered, and also the rear left tire will be powered too, sorta like part time though. When it senses the rear right tire spinning, without traction, then it will kick in and become powered too, making 3 total tires powered. So you are going from 2 tires being powered, to 3, but only as needed.
An LSD is beneficial if the vehicle is used a lot on the street for daily driving.
A "Full Locker" is the same thing, but powers the rear left tire full time all the time. This is not a good upgrade if you do a lot of driving on the street. Steering knock, premature wear on tires, etc., can result.
I have an LSD in my Dakota, and is difficult to install. I had a 4x4 shop do it.
Its obviously an offroad upgrade, but can come in handy when driving on snowy streets or ice covered and the rear tire doesnt grip. The left will kick in and help out.
|
kota on 20s
Dodge Dakota
8/24/2001
00:16:34
| RE: Questions of Ltd. Slip Differential
IP: Logged
Message:
also verry helpfull on the track. =')
Eric
|
J. C. Brandon
Dodge Dakota
8/24/2001
00:25:06
| RE: Questions of Ltd. Slip Differential
IP: Logged
Message:
A limited slip differential improves traction when one wheel begins to lose grip with the road. Without limited slip - that is with an "open differential" - all the available torque goes to the wheel with the least traction. So if you have one wheel on ice or in the mud, it will spin helplessly even if the other wheel on that axle is sitting on clean, dry pavement.
You can order limited slip as a factory installed option. You can also get a limited slip diff installed at a garage or four wheel drive shop, such as:
http://www.4wheelparts.com/store.asp
If you are considering upgrading to a limited slip, you may also want to consider a "locking differntial" instead. A "locker" is a step beyond a limited slip diff. It has a solid, mechanical lock between the axles for greatly improved traction. However, mechanical lockers can be harsh to drive on the street because they lock up when you don't need them to. To combat this problem there are driver-selectable lockers such as the ARB air locker:
http://www.arbusa.com
Air lockers are expensive and complicated.
You probably don't need a locking differential. If you did, you would know it. A limited slip might be a good upgrade for you. Ask yourself how many times you have run out of traction. That is, spun a wheel when you didn't want to. If you often find your wheels spinning, you would benefit from some sort of improved traction device. A limited slip is probably the first thing to consider.
There is a very good explanation of differentials in general and limited slips in particular at:
http://www.howstuffworks.com/differential.htm
You can also find a very good explanation of four wheel drive systems at:
http://www.howstuffworks.com/four-wheel-drive.htm
This is the kind of stuff that a lot of folks think they understand but are somewhat confused about.
-J.
|
redbone
Dodge Dakota
8/24/2001
01:13:09
| RE: Questions of Ltd. Slip Differential
IP: Logged
Message:
hey tk a limited slip is a new word for suregrip wich is what mopar called them years ago an lsd is engaged all the time it dosent just kick in it has clutches insid the carrier or cones that will allow i tire to slip if need be like when you are going around a turn the inside wheel spins faster than the outside so the clutchs slip inside the diff and alows both of the rear tires to go at different speeds during the turn and it also while turning inti your driveway etc a locker does the same exact same thing but it is allot more aggressive as in it wont let 1 wheel slip as easy when turning there for you may get some but hop when turning some what of a sharp turn and you also have what is called a spool which is the best it connects both axles togather and there is no slipping at all
|
Demon-Xanth
Dodge Dakota
8/24/2001
01:33:20
| RE: Questions of Ltd. Slip Differential
IP: Logged
Message:
What type is the factory Dakota LS diff? Posi?
|
Ken Grierson
Dodge Dakota
8/24/2001
01:53:22
|  RE: Questions of Ltd. Slip Differential
IP: Logged
Message:
Hmm, good question. I've got an '01 CC SLT 4.4 4.7/Auto with the 3.55 rear end and my Pricing label (standard/optional equipment list) says "Axle - Anti-Spin Differential".
I can attest after 4 days of Noahs' Ark-like rain that this is a "MUST HAVE" option.
I think DC should be advertising this as a potential safety feature...saved me and the truck 2 mornings ago when some moron pulled out of a driveway before I was 1/2 past him!
Thank God for anti-spin/posi/suregrip and V8 power :-)
|
J. C. Brandon
Dodge Dakota
8/24/2001
03:33:21
| RE: Questions of Ltd. Slip Differential
IP: Logged
Message:
The factory limited slip is a limited slip. "Posi" or Positraction is what General Motors used to call their limited slip diffs.
"Posi", "limited slip", and "anti-spin" are all different names for limited slip differentials.
See:
http://www.drivetraindirect.com/FAQ.htm#What's
-J.
|
Demon-Xanth
Dodge Dakota
8/24/2001
08:56:07
| RE: Questions of Ltd. Slip Differential
IP: Logged
Message:
There is more than one type of limited slip differential. Positraction, auburn, and gearodisk come to mind. They work on different principles and act a bit differently. Heck, on the WS-6 firebirds there's two different types that are options. (depending if you plan to road race or drag race)
Some words on the topic:
http://www.findarticles.com/m1185/n4_v30/18070936/p1/article.jhtml
|
Wayne
Dodge Dakota
8/24/2001
09:47:28
| RE: Questions of Ltd. Slip Differential
IP: Logged
Message:
Real "positive traction" can't be bought from the factory. That term goes back to the days when the hot rodders would weld the spider gears together in the rear end. Zero slippage. Great for running the 1/4 mile but terrible for turning corners. Everything else that I am aware of is a form of limited slip. My Dakota came from the factory with the clutch type of LSD. I believe that is the case with my Trans Am too.
|
Demon-Xanth
Dodge Dakota
8/24/2001
09:57:29
| RE: Questions of Ltd. Slip Differential
IP: Logged
Message:
Wayne: that's what I was guessing. the clutch type seems to be the most common with auburn coming in second (popular among drag racers). There is spools available which do not contain spider gears at all and are ONLY used in straight line race machines as they are not suitable for corners at all. Standard lockers are typically only in hard core offroaders since they have a tendancy to make turns "interesting" if the amount of power applied changed.
I like the type that our '78 GMC had where a cable went to the differentials and the locking was controlled by the transfer case lever (full time 4wd). When in full lock you could actually see the chassis stretch and bind if you tried to turn on pavement. Only thing similar to that that I have seen available has been air lockers (quite expensive).
|
Mar
Dodge Dakota
8/24/2001
10:05:30
| RE: Questions of Ltd. Slip Differential
IP: Logged
Message:
Right now dodge is running the best posi system. It is fully engaged and slip a little when cornering. You sometimes here the tire cherping when cornering. But when is spin the tires i got two rubber lines on the pavement.
GM is running a crappy system. It stays open and when one tire starts sliping a gear comes in and puts power to the other tire. THere are 2 reasons why this is bad.
1. THere is a short time needed to get the power to the other wheel which can cause you to lose momentum or just wont get the launch you want at the track.
2. If you spin your tires on pavment fast enough to get smoke and look cool the gear that comes in will just shread itself causing you to lose limited slip until you get your diffrencial replaced. (My friend did this in his s-10.)
The dodge diff is almost like a locker It is admired by all gm offroaders.
|
Wayne
Dodge Dakota
8/24/2001
10:07:45
| RE: Questions of Ltd. Slip Differential
IP: Logged
Message:
Demon, do you know the name or brand of the rearends with no spider gears? Sounds like something I need to look into. Always wanting to learn.
|
Demon-Xanth
Dodge Dakota
8/24/2001
10:41:48
| RE: Questions of Ltd. Slip Differential
IP: Logged
Message:
I don't know the name brand. Check somewhere like Jegs or Summit Racing equipment. Do not use spools on the street.
|
Demon-Xanth
Dodge Dakota
8/24/2001
10:44:00
| RE: Questions of Ltd. Slip Differential
IP: Logged
Message:
I just checked, both Stange and Richmond make spools
http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=36812&prmenbr=76
http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=4014&prmenbr=76
|
DAK2
Gen III
8/24/2001
11:07:38
|  RE: Questions of Ltd. Slip Differential
IP: Logged
Message:
Take a look at the Powertrax No Slip to put in.
It acts as a locked diff. going foward but allows cornering without the locked diff. attitude and is very well behaved on the street also NO clutches to wear out. It can be installed in an open rearend in about an hour or two and you don't have to set preloads or clutches to burn out plus you don't have to use special lube in it as you do with normal LSD. I have talked to several people who have it and they say it's great.Remember it is the NO SLIP not their LOCKER
Y2K DAK 3.9L 5 Spd OS/2 Keeps going&going&going
|
DAK2
Gen III
8/24/2001
11:10:12
| RE: Questions of Ltd. Slip Differential
IP: Logged
Message:
OOOPS forgot their website is
www.powertrax.com they also have some good info on rear ends and description and install on the system
Y2K DAK 3.9L 5 Spd OS/2 Keeps going&going&going
|
autocrosser
Dodge Dakota
8/24/2001
11:17:06
| RE: Questions of Ltd. Slip Differential
IP: Logged
Message:
Does anyone know who makes the Dodge limited slip.? Is it cone system or clutch? I believe Torsen makes a gear system. I have a Auburn cone system on the 94 Z28. After a little road racing the Limited slip is on its way out.
|
Demon-Xanth
Dodge Dakota
8/24/2001
11:55:21
| RE: Questions of Ltd. Slip Differential
IP: Logged
Message:
autocrosser: I believe Wayne just confirmed a clutch type. The auburn (cone type) isn't really well suited to autocrossing but is superior at drag racing.
|
Wayne
Dodge Dakota
8/24/2001
13:26:28
| RE: Questions of Ltd. Slip Differential
IP: Logged
Message:
Thanks Demon. My son has a Firebird that is drag raced regularly and few street miles. May look at one for it.
|
techknow
Dodge Dakota
8/24/2001
15:16:26
| RE: Questions of Ltd. Slip Differential
IP: Logged
Message:
One more questions - I have a 2WD, and my question of LSD was because the tires spin ALL the time, any time I want to play or punch it, they spin. My girlfriend's grandfather's f-150 has that ford traction stuff on his 2WD, and its possible, but hard to squeal the tires for a long time. What do you guys recommend? Thanks for all your inputs!
Mark
'00 CC 4.7L Black Dak Sport, 2WD
my page
|
J. C. Brandon
Dodge Dakota
8/24/2001
16:05:47
| RE: Questions of Ltd. Slip Differential
IP: Logged
Message:
Let some air out of the tires and put some weight in the bed.
-J.
|
Demon-Xanth
Dodge Dakota
8/24/2001
16:39:07
| RE: Questions of Ltd. Slip Differential
IP: Logged
Message:
Actually adding a pair of sandbags at the extreme rear will help alot, as far as a limited slip goes just get a standard clutch type.
When my Dak comes in I plan to use horse stall mats as a bed liner. These will add about 150-200Lbs to the rear end and are virtually indestructible. Biggest downsides is that they're hard to cut (or is that an upside?) and will only cover the bottom.
|
swampdak
Gen III
8/24/2001
22:10:11
| RE: Questions of Ltd. Slip Differential
IP: Logged
Message:
Hey Wayne I happen to run across an ad for Tractech (www.tracktech.com) they say they have a gearless locker which uses clutches and is very streetable.Dodge uses the Dana Trac-loc, it is a clutch type limited slip.The sticker that is wrapped around the axel identifies it.I have had chev and ford limited slips and I agree the trac-loc (dodge) is the best.My ford (ls)use to work sometimes and not others, but the dodge (ls)works every time. Two black strips for mankind.
Y2K CC 4.7 AUTO 4X4 3.55 TRAC-LOK SLT K&N 16.35/82.41
|
Wayne
Dodge Dakota
8/25/2001
10:22:23
| RE: Questions of Ltd. Slip Differential
IP: Logged
Message:
Thanks Swampdak.
|
techknow
Dodge Dakota
8/25/2001
18:41:45
| RE: Questions of Ltd. Slip Differential
IP: Logged
Message:
Ok, I was under my truck taking off the bumper, and my axle says "3.55" on it, does that mean I have a 3.55 differential?
Mark
|
swampdak
Gen III
8/25/2001
22:20:16
| RE: Questions of Ltd. Slip Differential
IP: Logged
Message:
Yes it does, if it also says trac-loc you have a limited slip diff if it says open diff, you have a standard rear end.3:55 is a good all purpose rear end and it will serve you just fine.
Y2K CC 4.7 AUTO 4X4 3.55 TRAC-LOK SLT K&N 16.35/82.41
|
TEAMFAST
Dodge Dakota
8/26/2001
22:50:34
| RE: Questions of Ltd. Slip Differential
IP: Logged
Message:
How durable are these rear ends? Has
anyone greased one? If so, was it covered
under warranty? I run a 3.55 posi
|
swampdak
Gen III
8/27/2001
12:08:41
| RE: Questions of Ltd. Slip Differential
IP: Logged
Message:
Mat Barret gernaded(it hurts to even say that word)his trac-loc after 135 launches at the strip.And that includes MEGA 3500 RPM LAUNCHES!That sounds at face value like it took a lot of punishment before it quit.
Y2K CC 4.7 AUTO 4X4 3.55 TRAC-LOK SLT K&N 16.35/82.41
|
Demon-Xanth
Dodge Dakota
8/27/2001
12:58:55
| RE: Questions of Ltd. Slip Differential
IP: Logged
Message:
swampdak: yeah, hard launches will do that to even tough components. I've seen pictures on shattered Lencos, clutches snappen in half, twisted drive shafts, and even read a story where a guy running a 10 second GNX went to a 4L80e because the 200-4r was getting eaten up in 10 trips down the strip.
|
Don
Dodge Dakota
8/27/2001
15:41:00
|  RE: Questions of Ltd. Slip Differential
IP: Logged
Message:
Stop saying "posi" this is a Dodge sight not a GM sight. Then we need to know why you want a LSD, drag racing, off roading, or just blowing cash. Respond if you real answers, I was an Engineer at Tractech.
|
TEAMFAST
Dodge Dakota
8/27/2001
22:17:26
| RE: Questions of Ltd. Slip Differential
IP: Logged
Message:
Don, sorry i didnt know i couldnt say posi
around here. Anyway, is my LSD or TracLOC
differential rear end covered under the 5year
100000km warranty? Oh and stop saying
sight, this is a a webSITE not eyeSIGHT for
crying out loud.
Have a nice day.
|
Wayne
Dodge Dakota
8/28/2001
21:08:09
| RE: Questions of Ltd. Slip Differential
IP: Logged
Message:
Looks like we need a special "sight" for "posi" discussion. Hehe
|
| | P 1 Next Page>> |
