Is it better to have a limited slip or locking differential? Let us tell you right now, the question is not which differential is better, but which differential is better for you!
Both limited-slip and locking differentials are mounted on axles to allow for greater traction in environments where one wheel may lose traction and spin. Without a limited-slip or locking differential on an axle, when one wheel loses traction and spins, you may lose forward momentum while the other wheel(s) will spin.
Advantages of Locking Differentials
• True two-wheel drive per axle
• No maintenance required
• Extremely durable
• Bolt-on application, no modifications to axles, ring and pinions, or half shafts
• Greatly enhances traction
Disadvantages of Locking Differentials
• Faster tire wear
• Front lock makes steering difficult
• Occasional banging or rattling from lockers
• Can make driving on snow or ice more difficult
Eaton makes an automatic locking differential called the Detroit Diff-Lock, which does a great job of enhancing traction and fully locks when powered, which allows for true all-wheel drive, but isn’t always preferred by drivers in cornering or icy road conditions. The full locking feature is essential in extreme driving situations, though, and automatically turns the Detroit Diff-Lock into a spool when engaged.
Eaton also makes a helical gear limited-slip differential called Truetrac. A limited-slip differential is a device that limits the slip between the axles (or wheels) when the differential is powered. While these limited-slip differentials generally have better street characteristics than locking differentials, they don’t fully lock the two axles together, which can cause one wheel to slip and the other to get stuck if conditions are bad enough. In addition to this, many limited-slip differentials use clutch packs that eventually wear out.
Advantages of Limited Slip Differentials
• Enhanced traction in all weather and road conditions, including ice and snow
• No “squeaking”
• No accelerated tire wear
• Quiet operation (unless service is required)
Disadvantages of Limited Slip Differentials
• The two axles are not completely locked together
• Depending on the design, can be weaker (physically) than a locking differential
• Some limited slip devices can sometimes pull side to side in front axle applications
Conclusion
You have to decide which differential is best for you based on your use and vehicle application. Generally, we tend to use the vehicle’s intended use as the dividing line between a differential and a limited slip differential – if the vehicle is more for daily driving, choose a limited slip differential. If the vehicle is more for toy driving, choose a differential lock. If you need any help, please feel free to contact us, we are a specialized and experienced manufacturer of limited slip differentials and differential locker.
