My '01 S2K has limited slip?

How does that work? And does it work at all speeds?

 

It is a Torsen Type T-2, see the link below.

http://www.torsen.com/products/T-2.htm

Good luck trying to figure it out. I'm working on it myself.

 

gbaker..if a picture is worth a thousand words..well then; we need a few more pictures......

 

In short an LSD adds a set of clutch disks to each side of the Diff....that would be SHORT.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Utah S2K
[B]In short an LSD adds a set of clutch disks to each side of the Diff....that would be SHORT.

 

LSD basically adds power to the wheels that slip. Good for traction, bad for burn outs

 

That was pretty interesting, although I STILL can't figure out what they are talking about. According to that page, our LSD does NOT add a set of clutch disks to each side of the Diff, so Mr. Utah's description is not only short, but inaccurate.

For the 1000+ word description, see: http://www.torsen.com/files/Traction_Contr...rol_Article.pdf

Indeed, there is no clutch in this system. The friction used to differentiate the torque applied to each axle actually comes from the drive shaft and gearing.



The above picture gives a better 'big picture' view of how this thing works. There is an outside gear that rotates six "planetary" gears. Three on each axle. These gears, in turn, push the independent crive axles. The planetary gears themselves are rotating with the axle. Each planetary gear, is connected to a corresponding planetary gear on the other axle.



Since the planetary gears connect each axle to the other, under normal operating conditions (equal traction on both tires) the planetary gears will not rotate, and force will be applied equally to each axle. If the torque applied to the axles is different, then the planetary gears can rotate.

So, as the drive shaft applies force, the planetary gears apply that force to the drive shafts. The friction between the planetary gear and the axle resists the rotation of the planetary gear, and, therefore, keeps the axle locked. The more force is applied, the more force it takes for the planetary gear to rotate.

For instance, if one tire suddenly lost traction, the axle would instantly cease resisting the force from the planetary gear. With this resistance gone, that planetary gear is free to rotate. BUT this planetary is linked to the other axle. If the other axle continues to have traction, then THAT planetary will still resist rotation, and, therefore, continue to drive the wheel that has traction. Torque is instantly transferred from the wheels that slip, to the wheels that grip.

Pretty cool design. No clutch involved, and virtually few parts to wear out. This thing should basically last far longer than your transmission.

As for people that have experienced problems with this differential, I am pretty sure they have seriously abused it, or they just got a defective unit. Replacing it with a clutch based diff is a truly bad idea, and I seriously doubt you will improve your handling and durability. According to Torsen, this same system is used in the Hummer, A4, A6 & A8 Quattro, Z3, Camero, Firebird, Lexus RX300 & IS300, and a fistful of Toyotas.

 

Sparky, the pics you've got are for a T-1 type, I believe we got the T-2 type. Description of function is similar either way, but different.

BTW, I'm glad you noticed the Utah effect, definitely a pattern there.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by 4igs2000
[B]LSD basically adds power to the wheels that slip.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by RT
[B]Sparky, the pics you've got are for a T-1 type, I believe we got the T-2 type.