Care & Feeding of a Locked Diff

[S2_ITBVW]

I am happily on my way to Chicago where, among other much less important business/family things, I will be picking-up my tranny with a locked differential. I have zero experience with this and do not want to break anything, so sage advice on the care and feeding of this "configuration" would be much appreciated. What do I need to be careful of in the paddock? What will I need to change on the track?

Thanks!

[joeg]

Don't turn tight...need wide turns to prevent CV breakage.

Normal tranny fluid. The diff is locked so does not require special lubricant.

[Knestis]

In terms of on-track performance, you're going to figure out pretty intuitively how it drives. You'll want to be FULLY on the throttle when it's time, and that's where you get the greatest return for the locked diff.

If you find yourself with any push sneaking into your life, you'll find that turning down toward the apex will haul you that direction. It'll cost you some speed but it will keep you from falling off the outside. If you are inclined to be a curb jumper, you'll get some return from the diff there as well, as the outside tire will keep dragging you around the corner rather than spinning away energy into the air.

Locked diffs have an undeserved reputation for being evil in the wet but I've found if you just let them have their head, they are actually a benefit. If you hit a puddle with one front wheel, it will move laterally a bit but if you don't try to chase it around, it will settle right down when both wheels grip again.

In the paddock, it's particularly easy to get "diff whip" when reversing. Go slow and plan way ahead. Don't use full lock at all when going slow.

K

[shwah]

Turn the wheel as little as possible when backing up. That is when you break outer CVs.

On track, it will be intuitive. Kirk is right on with the early aggressive throttle application. If you need to tighten the line, left foot braking is a good way to tighten it up. In addition to curb hopping, the track is wider when you need it to be. If the car is loaded up in a turn, the inside tires will actually "free up" a bit if you drag them through the grass.

I have not ever broken a drive shaft or CV with the locker.

[Knestis]

You didnt' just tell him to drive in the grass, did you Chris? It's not only contrary to the rules, it's my secret weapon.

K

[dhardison]

You didnt' just tell him to drive in the grass, did you Chris? It's not only contrary to the rules, it's my secret weapon. K

Uhh, you don't say?

[shwah]

You didnt' just tell him to drive in the grass, did you Chris? It's not only contrary to the rules, it's my secret weapon.

K

If the tire is in the air, it is not in the grass is it?

[JLawton]

What will I need to change on the track?

You'll have much better turn in when you're on the throttle. More push when off. I think big sweepers is where you'll feel the affect the most. You have to feather the throttle a little to keep your bite. I liked a welded diff better than a Torsen or Quiafe. And better traction when you're up on two wheels......

Baby it when driving around the paddock..........