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12/05/2020 1:01 PM  #1


Opinion on a helical gear based differential locker

Hello Gang,
https://www.speedmaster79.com/Ford-8-28-Spline-TorqueWorm-LSD-Limited-Slip-Differential

Look at the above locker for a Ford 8" differential.  This design is a helical gear based locker that does not contain parts, like clutches, that wear out nor require friction modifiers in the oil.  If you have an opinion of them, share it here.  I'm thinking this would be a replacement for my current open carrier due to it being a maintenance free, long lasting design.
 


1968 T-code Coupe with a 302.  Nice car, no show stopper for sure, but I like it.
 

12/05/2020 1:34 PM  #2


Re: Opinion on a helical gear based differential locker

Torque biasing differentials are pretty cool. 

I’ve never heard of that brand before but Quaife and Detroit Tru-Track are top notch.  Maybe wait a bit until more of those hit the streets and there are reviews?

 

12/05/2020 1:44 PM  #3


Re: Opinion on a helical gear based differential locker

I literally just picked up a TrueTrac after destroying the spider gears in my Lightning. I would definitely go with a well known entity. TrueTrac has a great record and works really well.

 

12/05/2020 2:35 PM  #4


Re: Opinion on a helical gear based differential locker

As an alternative.

I have a Currie 8” traction lock that i purchased through Summit several years ago.

It’s been quiet and reliable so far.
Requires friction modifier as usual.

It will outlast me.

Definitely don’t cheap out for an important part that will stop you in your tracks.

I know for me, it’s a spirited driver.
I was realistic about what i needed.

Just depends on how you will use your car.

 

12/05/2020 2:37 PM  #5


Re: Opinion on a helical gear based differential locker

I want to put one in my truck but I just rebuilt the factory trac loc for it.

 

12/05/2020 3:00 PM  #6


Re: Opinion on a helical gear based differential locker

SpeedMaster is an Australian based company that opened doors in 1979.  I suspect it would be a strong unit though it the information on the web is limited.  I definitely would not want a unit that contains clutches and friction modifiers after watching the following video because there is just better technology available.  This guy works for a company that services mostly the 4x4 applications.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x40WGUtdaLI 

Regarding Speedmaster, it would really be helpful if someone would post a link to recommended carriers that would fit a Ford 8" 28 spline.  I don't really find the alternative parts.  The selection is limited for the 8" carriers.


1968 T-code Coupe with a 302.  Nice car, no show stopper for sure, but I like it.
     Thread Starter
 

12/05/2020 3:26 PM  #7


Re: Opinion on a helical gear based differential locker

The torque sensing differentials are great.  I'm putting a Quaife in the front of my WRX.  I may also run a TruTrac in the rear of my F250 at some point.  I've read very little in the realm of negative reviews on them.  The only downsides are that they take a microsecond to react, unlike a clutch type LSD that is locked until you get it to slip, and if one wheel is literally off the ground you won't get traction to the other wheel (not an issue in a Mustang, but a legit concern for off road guys).

All that said.  AVOID Speedmaster like the plague.  All their junk is made in China and is ripped off of someone else's designs.  They hide behind having "distribution centers" in the US and Oz, but nothing is made there.  Their real base of manufacturing is in Shanghai.  You really have to dig to find that information out; they do not volunteer it on their website and in fact make it look like its a cottage industry that eventually went big time.  I reality its a global company that bought out the original company and is now trading on their good name.  I couldn't find any reviews on their differentials, but the net is awash with bad reviews on engine blocks and cylinder heads. All machining problems, porosity issues, leaks, crap components used for cylinder heads, etc. 

Personally I won't support a business that steals people's IP and then also takes jobs from American (or Aussie) workers.  I spend my hard earned dollars on American made parts like a Yukon or Currie. 

 

12/06/2020 6:41 AM  #8


Re: Opinion on a helical gear based differential locker

The video discussing the different types of lockers mentioned the issue with having a wheel in the air.  He said the military uses this type of locker and teaches the soldiers to apply partial braking if a wheel is in the air.  He said this provides the load needed to the wheel in the air to cause the locker to engage and allow the other wheel to pull away.

Thank you for the information regarding SpeedMaster.


1968 T-code Coupe with a 302.  Nice car, no show stopper for sure, but I like it.
     Thread Starter
 

12/06/2020 6:58 AM  #9


Re: Opinion on a helical gear based differential locker


1968 T-code Coupe with a 302.  Nice car, no show stopper for sure, but I like it.
     Thread Starter
 

12/06/2020 7:22 AM  #10


Re: Opinion on a helical gear based differential locker

Rufus68 wrote:

The video discussing the different types of lockers mentioned the issue with having a wheel in the air.  He said the military uses this type of locker and teaches the soldiers to apply partial braking if a wheel is in the air.  He said this provides the load needed to the wheel in the air to cause the locker to engage and allow the other wheel to pull away.

Thank you for the information regarding SpeedMaster.

The partial brake is a trick that will even work with an open rear.  I've seen guys run two parking brake levers on some trail rigs to apply the e-brake to only one rear wheel at a time.  That way you can trick the diff into thinking the wheel with more traction actually has less. 
 

 

12/06/2020 7:23 AM  #11


Re: Opinion on a helical gear based differential locker

Rufus68 wrote:

Is this the correct part number for the Detroit TrueTrac that would fit the Ford 8" 28 spline, 912A616?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/8-Inch-Ford-Eaton-Detroit-True-Trac-Posi-28-Spline-912A616-Truetrac-NEW/391504219775?epid=1429962584&hash=item5b27784e7f:g:tyUAAMXQupJRGA3c

According to Summit's Application Guide, yep.
 

 

12/06/2020 9:37 AM  #12


Re: Opinion on a helical gear based differential locker

I removed a traction lock and replaced it with a tru track from Eaton.  The car immediately started launching in a straight line instead of fish-tailing!   Apparently it is better at getting both wheels going the same speed.


Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
 

12/06/2020 10:35 AM  #13


Re: Opinion on a helical gear based differential locker

My understanding, based only on video research, is that the clutch based LSD carriers slowly revert to an open diff as the clutches wear out.  Perhaps your traction lock diff had worn to the point of causing the fish tailing behavior.  If I go to all the work needed to change the diff, I would prefer to avoid the clutch based designs because of this limited life characteristic.


1968 T-code Coupe with a 302.  Nice car, no show stopper for sure, but I like it.
     Thread Starter
 

12/06/2020 10:36 AM  #14


Re: Opinion on a helical gear based differential locker

MS wrote:

I removed a traction lock and replaced it with a tru track from Eaton. The car immediately started launching in a straight line instead of fish-tailing! Apparently it is better at getting both wheels going the same speed.

They are sometimes referred to as "torque sensing" differentials, and that's accurate.  They are going to send power from the wheel with the least grip to the wheel with the most grip, and that can happen many times, back and forth in a short period of time.  On a launch the chassis twists and simultaneously puts weight over the right rear wheel and unloads the suspension of the left rear wheel.  This disparity of grip, even with an LSD, causes the car to crab walk to the left, then driver correction and changing chassis dynamics send it right, left, etc. 

An LSD is kind of a one trick pony.  Its locked until its not.  A TrueTrac is a much more refined system.  What's crazy is that even with the added complexity I've never heard of anyone breaking one. 

 

Board footera


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