:Comp: Question:"What is the difference,if any,between a limited-slip differential,and a positraction differential?o No: I've heard the two terms used,and I was wondering if there was a difference...? Thanks,Jay B.Britt,Jr.
Posi traction is a brand name (GM) for a limited slip type diff (ie, like "Kleenex" is a brand of facial tissue). There is, however, a technical difference between a limited slip, and a locking differential. Limited slip uses a series of plates as a friction material, whereas a locker uses an engaging pawl device. K
Thanks,Keith for the explanation...I SAY THIS OVER AND AGAIN..."Is this NOT the BEST WEBSITE,or What??? GO V8 BUICK!!!Jay B.Britt,Jr.
There are also posi units that use "cone" style friction surfaces. Think of the shape of a tapered roller bearing, but with a solid friction surface instead of the rollerized surface. It is my understanding that these are non-rebuildable once used up (Auburn makes this type for example). The "clutch" style is therefore, in my estimation, more desirable.
While the Auburn is technically non-rebuildable, there is some info available on the net to resurface the cones. I can't remember how I found it but I gave it toa small rear end shop, they were intrigued enough to try it. I had it done last winter, just put the thing in my 96 Roadmaster this weekend, and it works so far. Did a couple of burn outs(kind of) and went around some corners. No slippage, no chatter, So far so good.
That locker is a limited slip (posi) and uses clutches if your talking about GMs eaton truck gov locker. It works with a govern ramp gear and triggers a switch when the re is one wheel spinning one full rotation of the ramp gear behind one of the side gears...then triggers that flapper paw your talking about to lock the unit clutches. They really are a pain to work on but all in all they are good for what they are made to do GET UNSTUCK. as for performance do not bother. unpredictable under hard launches and tend to explode if used for drag racing. TOWING GREAT, MUD GREAT, SNOW GREAT, BETTER GAS MILEAGE SO SO...NOT REALLY GONNA MAKE A HUGE DENT...LOL. (THAT IS BECUASE THE UNIT TOTALLY DISENGAGES TO WORK LIKE A OPEN UNIT) Now a detroit locker and power trax work with a tooth to tooth grip and release and tend to be noisey but work well also ...lock rights and power trax if bought new and installed correctly work VERY WELL. used ??? your rolling them dice. they are on there for a reason... probably JUNK. oh and the posi and limited slip deal... they are the same. Positraction is actually CHEVYS term....AAAHHHHHH!!! olds used ANTI SPIN pontiac used SAFTY TRAC, AMC used TWIN GRIP, MOPAR used SURE GRIP AND ON AND ON. THEY ARE ALL limited slip differential. The import guys call them (LSD ) of course it would have to do with drugs....lol. What ever you call it we all seem to want it....lol. Jim
