Question about standard rear diff

styds · 09-02-2004, 02:20 PM

Hello, got a couple questions about the differential on my Titan 4 wheel drive crew cab LE(No Tow package & No Off-Road package). Does it have a limited slip rear diff.? I've read where this is a standard feature. The reason I ask is that when I turn sharp and give it gas, only one wheel spins. I thought they would both spin.

Thanks,

IMADOGMAN · 09-02-2004, 02:44 PM

Active Brake Limited Slip is "Standard" on 4x4 models...yours should have it. If you do a search on ABLS here, you will find lots of posts regarding this feature, and how it works.

bestatchess · 09-02-2004, 03:45 PM

It is not a limited slip rear differential. It is an open differential with a system that actuates the brake on the spinning wheel to limit slip. If you jump on the gas from a stop on gravel, you should see a SLIP light illuminate on the left side of the dash to indicate operation of the system.

SUBTITAN · 09-02-2004, 08:42 PM

I'm not a diff expert, but I thought when going around corners the outside wheel unlocks to allow turning whithout spinning out easily. Is this correct?

IMADOGMAN · 09-02-2004, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SUBTITAN

I'm not a diff expert, but I thought when going around corners the outside wheel unlocks to allow turning whithout spinning out easily. Is this correct?

It is not "locked" to begin with. "Open" differentials allow the wheels to turn at different rpm (thus the term differential).
Your Titan has an open differential. If one tire starts to spin, (slip) the ABLS will apply braking to the slipping wheel, to send the engine torque to the tire that is getting traction. If you manage to spin one tire hard enough, this braking action will occur, and send the torque to the other wheel. As the first wheel stops slipping, the brake is released, and both wheels will spin... Now, do the ABLS or VDC search, and read all about it...

styds · 09-03-2004, 10:11 AM

Ok, I went back and read till my eyes are blood-shot. Don't know if I'm less confused, so heres another question,, Why does my Truck Delivery Tag say "Standard solid rear axle. with brake assist" ?

According to the responses, this differential is an Open Diff. with ABLS..

IMADOGMAN · 09-03-2004, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by styds

Ok, I went back and read till my eyes are blood-shot. Don't know if I'm less confused, so heres another question,, Why does my Truck Delivery Tag say "Standard solid rear axle. with brake assist" ?

According to the responses, this differential is an Open Diff. with ABLS..

Hope your eyes heal...

Solid rear axle refers to the suspension design. It is a solid axle housing, not a solid axle. You have two axles connected at the center by the differential.
Brake assist refers to the ABLS

Other design would be independent rear suspension, where the differential is mounted to the chassis, and axles are connected between the differential and the wheel hubs using constant velocity joints....(like the design of the front end of a 4x4 Titan).
I believe that the new Ford Explorer has independent rear suspension, as does the original Hummer design (although it has additional gear reduction at the hubs).

IMADOGMAN · 09-03-2004, 11:36 AM

The phrase "Open Differential" refers to the design. It has no limited slip or other torque redirection inherent to it's design. The limited slip feature on the Titan has nothing to do with the differential. It is only redirecting the torque by stopping the slipping wheel and sending the torque to the wheel that has more traction...(at least you hope it has more traction)

styds · 09-03-2004, 12:39 PM

Ok, thanks guys, I got it now.....

SUBTITAN · 09-03-2004, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IMADOGMAN

It is not "locked" to begin with. "Open" differentials allow the wheels to turn at different rpm (thus the term differential).
Your Titan has an open differential. If one tire starts to spin, (slip) the ABLS will apply braking to the slipping wheel, to send the engine torque to the tire that is getting traction. If you manage to spin one tire hard enough, this braking action will occur, and send the torque to the other wheel. As the first wheel stops slipping, the brake is released, and both wheels will spin... Now, do the ABLS or VDC search, and read all about it...

I was thinking about limited slip differentials in general.