Re:Torsen LSD

[christian147@domain.elided]

Sounds to me like you got it.  Torsen's sound great on paper but in the
real world they can leave something to be desired, much like all other
designs of LDS.  The helix angle is the tuning element, so requires a
large stock of parts to have any tuning range.  You can't just install
stronger springs or thicker shims or sprags with a steeper angle, you
have to change 5 gears.  They also require some resistance from the
slipping wheel to operate.  If the wheel is off the ground they operate
just like a open diff.  This can be over come with a very slight
application of the breaks.  They absorb about 25% of the power they are
transferring so you have to watch the temp if you use them much.  On the
plus side, their "seamless" transfer of power makes them the only choice
for a front axle in a street driven car where their worst trait is a very
slight tightening of the steering.  A product that is similar and may be
identical is the Tru-Trac.  For a good over view of common LSD's try
Great Basin Rovers web page.

Chris Hall
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