Greg Meboe writes:
> how does a Detroit locker 'differ' from a normal limited slip diff,
>and how does a Gleason Torsen diff work?
A normal lsd uses clutches to limit slip, while the Torsen uses
a worm gear arrangement at a very specific thread pitch which
allows limited slippage. R&T had a thorough article when the
Torsen first came out several years ago.
Another lsd method is viscous coupling. This is mostly used in
center diffs in 4wd cars. Simplified, the coupling has an input
plate and an output plate close together in a case filled with fluid.
The fluid increases viscosity with shear, so that if the plates
are spinning at the same speed, the fluid is thin; if the plates
are spinning at different speeds, the fluid is thick, transferring
more torque to the driven plate.
Dave Williamson (silikal@aol.com)
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