This Limited Slip Differential smacks!!

[OT-OF-HERE!!]

Ok, what are the alternatives that are available that is a kit-type thing that doesn't require me changing out the the whole rear end and axles and all.

 

[SRadke]

Have you tried changing the lube? Use a lube that is NOT rated for limited slip and don't add a modifier. That usually makes the clutches adequately sticky



-Scott

 

[cerberusiam]

What is the matter with it? "Smacks" is not a very defininitive description.



The AAM limited slips are a little different type of critter. They really don't work until you start spinning one of the wheels faster than the other. They don't have clutches but rather brake shoes on each axle that are applied when the there is a speed imbalance between the axles. As far as options, I don't think there are any yet that are simple and cost effective.



They also seem to be kinda picky about the lube used in them. Could that be a source of the issues?

 

[OT-OF-HERE!!]

Smacks

What is the matter with it? "Smacks" is not a very defininitive description.



The AAM limited slips are a little different type of critter. They really don't work until you start spinning one of the wheels faster than the other. They don't have clutches but rather brake shoes on each axle that are applied when the there is a speed imbalance between the axles. As far as options, I don't think there are any yet that are simple and cost effective.



They also seem to be kinda picky about the lube used in them. Could that be a source of the issues?

Smacks is when your truck looks good,... runs good, and leaves one, ... count 'em,... one pavement ripping stripe. That's what I mean by smacks. I thought the Limited slip would do just that until it senses slip and then the other axle would lock up also and Voila,... 2 stripes locked down on the pavement. Obviously I'm wrong or there is something wrong with this AAM I've got or I got screwed and it's not Limited Slip. Assuming I didn't get screwed since I found no lip stick, and it is working right (as designed) then I want an alternative. I kind of thought AK RAM was BSing me about the lube, but I gather that can make a difference some how?? Any mechanical fixes making it a locking rear that are available for the AAM? Tks for the help.

 

[Nate]

The l/s doens't sense slip and then lock the other axle, at least not a traditional limited slip. It will hold the axles locked together until the force it too great on 1 tire and then it will slip the clutches.

 

[RHildreth]

cerberusiam is correct, we don't have clutches. They are gears. That's why we don't need friction modifiers in our gear oil.



Here is a link that describes how the Torsen LSD works. It is at least similar if not the same that the AAM LSD has.



http://www.sonic.net/garyg/zonc/TechnicalInformation/TorsenDifferential.html

 

[cerberusiam]

Assuming I didn't get screwed since I found no lip stick

LMAO!! :-laf :-laf No, just means you didn't get KISSED!





I have an 05 with the LS and it leaves 2 strips when I launch it under boost. Turns sideways real easy when slick also.



Unless you changed to a gear lube that is super slick I would hazard a guess you don't have an LS. Might drop the cover and check what you can see against any posted pictures of the AAM LS. All I can say is mine works as advertised but there are some posts about issues, mostly chatter on corners, but a few about flaky operations.

 

[JVolpe]

My 04. 5 will leave 2 strips also, either launch under boost or nail it while slow rolling off the light.

 

[grfraz]

My 04. 5 leaves 2 strips also, are you sure you have the ls?

 

[steved]

cerberusiam is correct, we don't have clutches. They are gears. That's why we don't need friction modifiers in our gear oil.

We don't need friction modifier, but we still have clutches... they are called "shoes" that are forced out into the side gear to cause friction. I did look at build spec



As long as you are sitting on equal traction, both tires will usually spin on mine, but in something like snow, this rear sucks... I would rather have my powerloc'd D70 back.



steved

 

[JohnCooper]

My 04. 5 leaves 2 strips also, are you sure you have the ls?

Gee, I'm shopping for 2 new rear tires. Both my front tires have about 10K left on them. I have left a few double stripes.

 

[OT-OF-HERE!!]

I ordered my truck with Limited Slip

My 04. 5 leaves 2 strips also, are you sure you have the ls?

It was ordered and it is on my paperwork. You all have me interested,... I'm taking it in and have it checked at the dealer. Tks.

 

[OT-OF-HERE!!]

You may have hit on something

We don't need friction modifier, but we still have clutches... they are called "shoes" that are forced out into the side gear to cause friction. I did look at build spec



As long as you are sitting on equal traction, both tires will usually spin on mine, but in something like snow, this rear sucks... I would rather have my powerloc'd D70 back.



steved

Steved,



You may have hit on the problem. The last time I looked when hammering it it is on a crowned road so maybe that doesn't make for equal traction as the truck sits on a bit of a lean to the right where I hit it. I'll take it out tomorrow and be sure I'm sitting level and then hammer it before I take it to the dealer. Tks.

 

[GaryCarter]

Mine works great. Was pulling out stumps the other day with three wheels on asphalt and one rear on grass. Both rears spun equally the one on asphalt and the one on grass.

If I launch hard it spins both rears equally.



Maybe you should have yours checked.



Gary

 

[EEdmondson]

Could someone that understands please chime in here?

We don't need friction modifier, but we still have clutches... they are called "shoes" that are forced out into the side gear to cause friction. I did look at build spec steved

We don't have clutches nor shoes. Read this: http://www.sonic.net/garyg/zonc/TechnicalInformation/TorsenDifferential.html

Or just look at the drawing.

 

[2broke2smoke]

the aam's have Pinion Gears and Brake Shoes ... pg 3-147 '03 shop manual



they are called Trac-Rite ... at least that is what the '03 shop manual calls them



the one on my wifes '03 works perfect ...

 

[EEdmondson]

the aam's have Pinion Gears and Brake Shoes ... pg 3-147 '03 shop manual



they are called Trac-Rite ... at least that is what the '03 shop manual calls them



the one on my wifes '03 works perfect ...

I stand corrected, pg 3-158 in my '04 shop manual. :--) Boy, was I wrong! Where did I get the idea that it was a Torsen?

 

[steved]

I stand corrected, pg 3-158 in my '04 shop manual. :--) Boy, was I wrong! Where did I get the idea that it was a Torsen?

Seeeee, I'm not always wrong... just most of the time!



You probably got that idea since most people believe they are similar.



steved

 

[TowPro]

This post dated late 2004. Maybe they changed for 05 and 06?

Where did I get the idea that it was a Torsen?

 

[steved]

This post dated late 2004. Maybe they changed for 05 and 06?

Mine's got a trackrite... all the AAMs have trackrites as far as I know.



steved