Rick:
I have a Quaife in my BJ8 Rallye car. The Quaife design differs from the
Powr Lok design. The Powr Lok engages and disengages a set of ratchets as
needed for traction (is my memory correct, Mike?) so, it can transfer
unsettling sounds and vibrations, especially at slow speeds in tight
corners. The Quaife is continuously engaged since its design employs a
series of gear sets that automatically provide gear ratio resistance when a
wheel begins to slip.
Pros for Quaife:
* Relatively easy to install. Complete disassembly of the rear end
and replacement of the original differential in the pumpkin required. Does
not require resetting the crown and pinion.
* No ratcheting noise
* Smooth operation
* Very strong and well made
Cons for Quaife:
* $$$$ Last I looked it cost about $1,400 just for the part at my
source.
* Slightly heavier rear end than original
* Uses up a little rear wheel hp spinning up all the gears
* AH Quaife was real hard to obtain. May be available now.
* May not be legal for all vintage events. Some sanctioning bodies
require "chiclet" type or ratchet type LSD.
Put an LSD in your car only if you have seriously upgraded your hp and need
the traction. If you are spinning a wheel a lot using factory hp, follow
Mike's suggestion and consider reworking your suspension and car balance
first - correct sizing of sway bars, perhaps an adjustable rear sway bar,
rework your leaf springs, check your torsion bars (or add them if an earlier
car), consider adding a panhard rod with heim joints if you have a BJ8,
check your rear shocks, consider tube shocks all around.
One final thought if your entire car is twisting, check you chassis along it
entire length for rust and thin metal.
Best regards,
Jim Hockert
Dallas, TX
BJ8 Rallye
|