Rear-end diff, Posi or Locking
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Rear-end diff, Posi or Locking
Hey, just wondering what the opinions are on the posi differential versus switching to a full locking differential like the Detroit locker. Has anyone done so? Why? And how did you like it? Pro's vs Con's?
I have a 76vette still mostly stock, 4 speed manual, street use predominantly. Just doing some work on the rear end and got offered a locking differential. Can't decide if its a good idea, don't have a lot of experience with differentials. I've heard about noise complaints, but I was wondering how it effects the drive, how bad they really are on wet roads, etc. Thanks!
I have a 76vette still mostly stock, 4 speed manual, street use predominantly. Just doing some work on the rear end and got offered a locking differential. Can't decide if its a good idea, don't have a lot of experience with differentials. I've heard about noise complaints, but I was wondering how it effects the drive, how bad they really are on wet roads, etc. Thanks!
Last edited by Cmflorida; May 18, 2010 at 06:56 PM. Reason: Forgot to put, "4 speed manual".
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,711
Likes: 43
From: San Antonio TX
To make this really short; There is no DL application for your differential. The only traction differential available -retrofit or otherwise- is the clutch-type limited slip (Positraction). So whatever it is you're being offered will not fit and is for an application other than a Corvette.
I do have a car with a 9" Ford rear with a 31-spline DL. Most of what you read on the Internet is anecdotal. These people don't have a car with a DL and are just passing old info around. There will be occasions where you do have some clunking, but most of what you read is about 20 years out of date as the design for the holdoff spring changed to eliminate the ratcheting noise.
You can go to Eaton's site, http://www.eaton.com/EatonCom/Produc.../FAQ/index.htm and get some insight.
I can tell you that if this is a daily driver a DL would not be your first choice in a traction differential. But this is moot since you don't even have that option.
I do have a car with a 9" Ford rear with a 31-spline DL. Most of what you read on the Internet is anecdotal. These people don't have a car with a DL and are just passing old info around. There will be occasions where you do have some clunking, but most of what you read is about 20 years out of date as the design for the holdoff spring changed to eliminate the ratcheting noise.
You can go to Eaton's site, http://www.eaton.com/EatonCom/Produc.../FAQ/index.htm and get some insight.
I can tell you that if this is a daily driver a DL would not be your first choice in a traction differential. But this is moot since you don't even have that option.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 1
From: Reno nevada
Gerry72, I thought that a spoil was a available to replace the posi unit?
Anyway you don't want one unless you are a higher HP racer. You can upgrade vette rear ends to leave twin black marks for a long ways.
Anyway you don't want one unless you are a higher HP racer. You can upgrade vette rear ends to leave twin black marks for a long ways.
Last edited by Lt1er; May 19, 2010 at 09:42 AM.
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,544
Likes: 0
From: Youngstown Ohio
We ran a franklin quik change locked. It would be a bit foolish to even consider running one if it is a street car. It will tend to make your rear end slide out when cornering as it will break traction with at least one rear tire. Lockers have a use....but not really on the street....or for the faint of heart
A little Vetteporn....
A little Vetteporn....
Last edited by 73-84 IMSA Widebody; May 19, 2010 at 08:42 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 4
From: Oakland California
We ran a franklin quik change locked. It would be a bit foolish to even consider running one if it is a street car. It will tend to make your rear end slide out when cornering as it will break traction with at least one rear tire. Lockers have a use....but not really on the street....or for the faint of heart
A little Vetteporn....
A little Vetteporn....
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