Andy,
A limited slip does not "kick in". There is a set of clutch that causes an
equal amount of torque to be applied to both wheels up to the point that the
clutches slip then it will continue to apply that amount of torque to the wheel
that is has the most traction but will allow the other wheel to spin like an
open differential if it's on a surface with much less traction. The tighter the
clutches the more torque differential between the tires is required to cause
the clutches to slip. The clutches can't be to tight or you would effectively
driving a locked rear end, it's a compromise between smoothness around corners
and traction to both wheels.
So if one wheel is on ice and the other on dry pavement you will get what you
experienced. If both wheels are on a surface with relatively equal traction
then both wheels will slip at the same time, i.e., burn out :)
Dave Clement
99 SLT+ CC 4x4
In article <cu8ap6$kp9$1@bent.twistedbits.net>, andy-dml@levyclan.us (andy
levy) writes:
>
>
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> Since rear axles are all the rage the last couple days on the list, one
> more.
>
> '03 QC 4x4, 3.92 rear end, 9 1/4", Limited Slip from the factory
>
> Friday night I was in a parking lot trying to negotiate my way into one
> of those "de facto" parking spaces. Snowbank on the right, hill
> parallel w/ the driveway. I had my right rear wheel on the snow, and at
> one point had to back down the hill to get some footing, because I was
> getting tons of spin on the right wheel, and the left wheel sat and did
> nothing!
>
> My understanding is that this is supposed to happen, up to a point, then
> the LSD will kick in and both wheels will drive. I don't think this
> ever happened. Did I not get enough spin, or does it sound like
> something is up w/ the LSD unit?
> - --
> - -andy
>
> http://home.rochester.rr.com/alevy/dakota - andy-dml@levyclan.us
> - --------------------------------------------
> "Whatever Adam does, do the opposite and you'll be fine"
> -Bob Tom
> - --------------------------------------------
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