Differential Types Explained
Open Differentials Explained
Open differentials are the most common differential type on vehicles of all kinds. Whether it be a heavy-duty truck or a light automobile, open differentials allow for effective on-road driving better than most other differential types. How do they work, you may ask? Well, open differentials are designed to send power based on which wheel has the least amount of resistance. This allows your wheels to turn at different rates when turning. The drawbacks of an open differential are primarily offroad-oriented. In areas with rough terrain, you need both wheels to have healthy amounts of power, but with an open differential, you can only rely on one wheel to get power. If one wheel was to lift off the ground, for example, that wheel would receive all the power, while the wheel with grip would receive none.
Locking Differentials Explained
A locking differential is a set of gearing that’s designed to force 50% of your truck’s available torque to each wheel. This allows for exemplary offroad prowess and performance and is primarily found on logging trucks, construction vehicles, and recovery trucks. Since these trucks still need to drive on the road, locking differentials are usually selectable, meaning you can disable and enable this locking functionality. When unlocked, the differential will function the same as an open differential.
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