Just some quick comments on LSD types and brands from personal experience.
If you want an LSD that will outlast any friction plate based LSD (which
includes all factory, and most aftermarket including the Auburn LSD), then
look into a Detroit TruTrac. Most LSD setups use friction plates to bias
torque from wheel to wheel to control wheel spin. Over time and wear and
tear, these plates loose their grip and the LSD action becomes weak and
eventually looses it's "limited slip" capability. This requires opening up
the pumpkin and re-shimming the friction plates and over time eventually
replacing the friction material and starting the process all over
again. The TruTrac (as an example) is a gear driven Limited Slip
Differential. It never wears out. It's not a locker. A locker physically
locks both wheels together when going straight and physically unlocks on
turns. The TruTrac is a true limited slip differential - gears do the
torque biasing from wheel to wheel, not friction plates.
I have personal experience with the Detroit TruTrac. I have it in a '78
Ford (I hope that isn't a bad word around here) that is used as an offroad
hunting/play vehicle. It will lock both wheels up solid when going
straight, but you don't get that banging sound and vehicle jerking common
with traditional lockers like the Detroit Locker when they disengage and
engage on turns. The TruTrac works the exact same as a traditional LSD,
but it will never wear out. It's a little pricey - it was $500 for a 31
spline 9" Ford version. It's not as strong as a Detroit Locker. It has a
tire diameter limitation of I think 32" (warranty purpose limitation). One
note about the TruTrac - a traditional LSD will slip when it gets
overloaded, a TruTrac won't. It will break if it's load limits are
exceeded. That is why there is a tire diameter limitation. Most 4x4
offroaders use the TruTrac in the front diffs and a Detroit Locker or
equivalent in the rear. I've given my TruTrac hell in my truck. It's a
4000lb monster with 31x10.50x15 BFGoodrich Radial All Terrains' with a
3.89:1 rear end (4x2) and a hopped up 302 (rumpety rump at idle with the
cam I have in it) and it still works just fine. Think I need to shut up now :)
TruTrac web site: http://www.tractech.com (not affiliated with them, just
have personal experience with their products)
Mike
'99 RC 4x2 V6 5spd Sport
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