Drifting is one of the most exciting and visually captivating driving techniques, where a car slides sideways through corners with precision and control. For anyone interested in drifting, the question often arises: Can you drift with a limited-slip differential (LSD)? The short answer is yes, and in fact, using an LSD can greatly enhance the drifting experience. In this article, we’ll explore how a limited-slip differential works in drifting, its advantages, and why it’s a preferred choice for many drift enthusiasts.
What is a Limited Slip Differential (LSD)?
A limited-slip differential (LSD) is a specialized type of differential that helps manage the distribution of power between the two driven wheels of a vehicle. In a conventional open differential, power is sent to the wheel with the least resistance. This can cause problems during hard cornering or in low-traction environments, as one wheel may spin uncontrollably while the other remains stationary.
An LSD solves this problem by sensing the difference in wheel speed and limiting how much one wheel can spin compared to the other. This allows for better traction and ensures that both wheels receive power when needed, making it a valuable tool in various driving scenarios, including drifting.
How Does an LSD Help with Drifting?
Drifting requires controlled oversteer, where the rear wheels lose traction and the car slides sideways through a corner. For successful drifting, the rear wheels must spin at different speeds as the driver steers the car into the drift. This is where the limited-slip differential comes into play.
Here’s how an LSD enhances drifting:
Controlled Power Distribution: During a drift, an LSD limits excessive wheelspin on one wheel and ensures both wheels receive enough torque to maintain the drift. This allows the driver to better control the slide and adjust their throttle input to extend the drift as needed.
Stability in Oversteer: With an open differential, one rear wheel may spin freely, making it difficult to maintain stability in oversteer. The LSD helps balance power between the wheels, providing greater control and stability throughout the drift.
More Consistent Drifts: Drifting with an LSD allows for smoother and more predictable slides. The differential’s ability to manage power between the wheels prevents unpredictable wheelspin, ensuring that the car maintains a consistent angle and speed during the drift.
Recovery and Exit Control: After initiating a drift, a driver needs to transition smoothly back into grip driving when exiting a corner. An LSD helps by gradually redistributing power, allowing for smoother transitions between oversteer and regaining traction, which is essential for exiting the drift cleanly and efficiently.
Types of LSDs for Drifting
Not all LSDs are created equal, and some are better suited for drifting than others. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of LSDs used in drifting:
Clutch-Type LSD
This is one of the most popular types used in drifting. The clutch plates inside the differential engage when there’s a difference in wheel speed, limiting wheelspin and transferring power to both wheels. Clutch-type LSDs are known for their aggressive engagement, making them ideal for initiating and maintaining drifts.
Torsen (Torque-Sensing) LSD
Unlike clutch-type LSDs, Torsen LSDs use gears to sense and distribute torque. These are excellent for providing smooth and progressive power delivery, but they are generally better suited for track racing or daily driving than for hardcore drifting. That said, they can still be used effectively for drift beginners who want a more predictable setup.
Welded Differential (Spool)
While not technically an LSD, many drifters use welded differentials, where both axles are locked together, forcing both wheels to spin at the same speed. This provides maximum consistency for drifting, but it sacrifices the smoothness and versatility of an LSD in other driving conditions.
Advantages of Drifting with an LSD
Drifting with an LSD offers numerous benefits over using an open differential or a welded diff. Here are some key advantages:
More Control in a Drift
The primary advantage of an LSD for drifting is the added control it gives the driver. By limiting how much one wheel can spin, it helps maintain a steady drift angle and speed, allowing for more precise handling.
Versatility
Unlike a welded differential, which is fully locked and can make normal driving difficult, an LSD provides the best of both worlds. It’s suitable for both drifting and regular driving, as it only engages when there’s a difference in wheel speed, allowing for smoother handling during daily commutes or track driving.
Longevity and Durability
LSDs are designed to handle high-performance driving, including the intense torque and power shifts involved in drifting. A well-built LSD will typically outlast a welded diff, which puts constant stress on the axles and tires.
Improved Traction Control
Drifting isn’t just about losing traction—it’s about controlling the loss of traction. An LSD helps modulate power delivery, making it easier to initiate and sustain drifts without losing too much speed or grip.
Easier to Transition Between Drifts
If you’re attempting multiple corners or transitions between drifts (also known as chaining drifts), an LSD will help you maintain momentum and smooth out the transitions. The ability to distribute power between both wheels makes it easier to maintain control as you shift from one drift to another.
Tips for Drifting with an LSD
While an LSD can greatly improve your drifting performance, getting the most out of it requires skill and practice. Here are a few tips to help you drift better with an LSD:
Throttle Control
Learn to modulate the throttle to control wheelspin and adjust the angle of the drift. Too much throttle can break traction completely, while too little may cause you to lose momentum.
Weight Transfer
Drifting isn’t just about wheelspin—it’s also about weight transfer. Practice shifting the car’s weight as you initiate a drift to help the rear wheels break traction smoothly.
Practice Initiation Techniques
Different LSDs require slightly different drifting techniques. For example, a clutch-type LSD may require more aggressive inputs to lock the wheels, while a Torsen LSD may feel smoother during initiation. Experiment with different techniques, such as clutch-kicking, handbrake drifts, or power slides, to see what works best with your setup.
Tire Choice
The type of tires you use can significantly affect how well you drift with an LSD. Choose tires with a balanced grip-to-slide ratio—ones that allow you to maintain control without gripping too much or losing traction too quickly.
Conclusion
In the world of drifting, having the right setup can make a world of difference, and a limited-slip differential is one of the most important tools you can have in your arsenal. With its ability to balance power between the wheels and maintain controlled drifts, an LSD not only makes drifting easier but also more enjoyable.
Whether you’re a beginner learning the ropes or a seasoned drifter looking to improve your technique, drifting with an LSD provides the balance of control and power you need to perfect your skills. So, yes—you can definitely drift with a limited-slip differential, and for many drivers, it’s the preferred choice for smooth, controlled, and consistent drifts.
