I was just wondering why Ford markets this rear end with two different names. Is there something different between the limited slip rear end vs the traction-lok? I ask cause i found a brand new Ford 8.8 31spline limited slip diff for $70 that i would like to put into the stang with some new axles. Thanks.
According to what I have found out, traction-lok is just what Ford calls their limited slip differential. Like Gm has Posi-traction.
traction lok=limited slip=posi-traction There are a couple different types of rear differentials, open and limited slip. Posi-traction is just a GM trademark for limitid slip differentials and traction lok is fords. Limited slip is the technical name for the differentals that use clutches or other means to drive more than 1 of the drive wheels.
I thought limited slip (aka "Traction Lock") uses clutches to distribute power to both wheels. The clutches allow for quiet operation. Posi-Traction uses gears (teeth) to physically lock the two axels together, hense the name "posi" (positive). If you have a true "posi" rear end, you'll hear clicking from your rear-end when you go around corners. That clicking is the sound of the gears engaging/disengaging.. Riley
Billy has it right. Chevys use clutchs in there limited slip also. Called Marketing names, thats all.
General motors calls rthere's a "Locking Differential". They claim it's better than limited slip. All I know is that when I dump my clutch I leave two solid black lines. Good enough for me.
i thought that trac-lok, posi-rear, is device that makes both rear wheel turn at SAME speed, there for, best traction for straight line (i.e. 1/4mile track), where as limited slip allows rear wheel to turn at DEFFERENT speed, which makes tight turn faster, because LSD can make inside wheel in tight turn spin slower(or out side wheel faster?). Open def is just one wheel is turning. This is what I was told
A true posi is a spool where both wheels get all of the drive all of the time. This is great in a str8 line but sucks on the street. Marketing is a wonderful thing, same thing , different company , different name. BTW Coke invented Santaclause for a 30's marketing adventure. Ever noticed that the red/white thing is the same. Everyone is out to remove as much of your hard earned money from your pocket including the people that dream up usless crap to bolt onto your car. Dwayne
ok here is the exact definitions of a couple of different kinds. I lifted this off of musclecarclub.com because I dont want to type it all out. As you can see there are a couple of different kinds of differentials but positraction and limited slip are the same basic thing clutches to reduce wheel spin.
Trac-lok and torsen - do same thing, but one needs periodical rebuilds, and one needs no rebuild under normal condition
Total BS ! Positraction Differentials A positraction differential is a special traction differential. Its purpose is to improve the way your differential performs under adverse conditions. When one wheel starts to slip, these differentials transfer the torque to the wheel that is not slipping. The car can then continue to go forward. There are several different kinds of positraction differentials, but all of them are based on a friction device to provide resistance to normal differential operation. A positraction differential provides better traction, which is handy when roads are slippery. It also lends itself to fast acceleration. The same as a Trac-Loc, limited slip !! I had plenty of chevys to know !
