Welded Diff?
#1
82 FB
Thread Starter
Welded Diff?
I was at a meet reciently and a guy I met there asked if I had welded my diff yet...
I have no idea what that means or the point of it? Anyone know what he meant?
I have no idea what that means or the point of it? Anyone know what he meant?
#4
Rotary Freak
iTrader: (2)
When it's welded or locked both wheels will turn together no matter what, there will be no 'differential' in their speeds. There will be more difficulty turning at low speeds because the rear will want to straight ahead while the front wheels will need more steering angle to get the car to change direction.
A live axle is when the two actual wheels are solidly linked to each other, not that they will turn with each other. If one wheel hits a bump, the other side will be affected, unlike an independent rear.
A live axle is when the two actual wheels are solidly linked to each other, not that they will turn with each other. If one wheel hits a bump, the other side will be affected, unlike an independent rear.
#6
love the braaaap
Welded diffs are pretty much only used in low budget drag racing to my knowledge. Maybe some offroading guys still do it, but I have only seen it used on drag racers. Road racing and autocross is no place for a welded diff, and especially the street. You will put a lot of unneeded load on the axle shafts and will chew up the rear tires pretty quick.
#7
GET OFF MY LAWN
iTrader: (1)
Welded diffs are used a lot road racing. There are cars you can't get an LSD for but they are allowed in the class. Also they can be used in endurance races where you might break an axle or CV and without a spool(or welded diff) you are dead on the track and can't limp back to the pits.
If you have the choice(you do, its an RX7 right?) get an LSD. A welded diff is stupid on the street or at slow speeds like an auto-x.
If you have the choice(you do, its an RX7 right?) get an LSD. A welded diff is stupid on the street or at slow speeds like an auto-x.
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#9
Old [Sch|F]ool
The difference is, a welded diff isn't "loose" inside - there's a certain amount of lash inside the diff case itself because of the ramp arrangement, and this leads to weird noises and vibrations sometimes. (Like trying to coast in Neutral on the highway)
I'm probably going to stop using limited slips and run a welded diff since nobody offers a spool. The biggest problem is making sure you weld the diff "straight", so the side gears aren't offcenter.
#11
Moderator
iTrader: (2)
When it's welded or locked both wheels will turn together no matter what, there will be no 'differential' in their speeds. There will be more difficulty turning at low speeds because the rear will want to straight ahead while the front wheels will need more steering angle to get the car to change direction.
A live axle is when the two actual wheels are solidly linked to each other, not that they will turn with each other. If one wheel hits a bump, the other side will be affected, unlike an independent rear.
A live axle is when the two actual wheels are solidly linked to each other, not that they will turn with each other. If one wheel hits a bump, the other side will be affected, unlike an independent rear.
#12
Old [Sch|F]ool
Live axles are straight axles that have the drivetrain built into them. (RX-7s have live axles)
And yes, there are "dead axles"... a straight axle on the drive wheels, but with the drivetrain separate. More commonly called a de Dion suspension. (original Cosmo had one of these, so did some Italian cars, and AWD Caravans)
#14
Get yourself a Miata Torsen rear if you want a good diff, JDM makes one.
I bought one this past year from Japan, was a little over $500 with shipping.
I used to run a welded rear on my hillclimb car, but not for daily street use tho.
I loved driving the welded rear up the hills tho, could throw the car around a corner like you wouldn't believe!
I bought one this past year from Japan, was a little over $500 with shipping.
I used to run a welded rear on my hillclimb car, but not for daily street use tho.
I loved driving the welded rear up the hills tho, could throw the car around a corner like you wouldn't believe!
#16
RAWR
iTrader: (3)
Aren't you the idiot who crashed your low mile FB while "drifting" on public streets? Just sell it and get yourself a 240SX. That way you'll fit in with the "drift" scene and can leave the RX-7's alone. Tool.
http://www.dsmtalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=204298
If you're going to do it, do it right: http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=763645
http://www.dsmtalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=204298
If you're going to do it, do it right: http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=763645
#18
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There are plenty of road racers using welded diffs. There is nothing wrong with it. Most oval track racers have welded or locked diffs as well. It's very common. I've been using welded diffs in my race car for years now.
Most important is to weld the spider gears to the casing, NOT to each other. Avoid welding the spider gears to each other, they will still have plenty of room to flex and move, crack the welds then chew them selves apart. When the spider gears are welded to the casing they have a solid base to resist movement.
Tire sizes, power output and track usage are considerations as well. If you do plan on running high HP, with strong DOT tires for auto cross, you won't have a great time with a welded diff. The high grip and speeds with the tight corners will be more welcoming to a proper LSD.
However, road courses with big sweeping turns will be rewarding to drive with a welded over an open diff. Drifting is great and more predictable with a welded as well over both LSD's and Open diffs.
Most important is to weld the spider gears to the casing, NOT to each other. Avoid welding the spider gears to each other, they will still have plenty of room to flex and move, crack the welds then chew them selves apart. When the spider gears are welded to the casing they have a solid base to resist movement.
Tire sizes, power output and track usage are considerations as well. If you do plan on running high HP, with strong DOT tires for auto cross, you won't have a great time with a welded diff. The high grip and speeds with the tight corners will be more welcoming to a proper LSD.
However, road courses with big sweeping turns will be rewarding to drive with a welded over an open diff. Drifting is great and more predictable with a welded as well over both LSD's and Open diffs.
#21
Old [Sch|F]ool
#22
Rotary Enthusiast
iTrader: (1)
Alot of 4x4 down here have a welded Diff, just because its cheaper.
If you understand a little more this will make a little more sense.
If you do 4x4 you expect to break an axle or two so welding is not as big of a deal. It's cheaper and it's only meant for off-road. I wouldn't recommend driving it on the street though. It's the same reason 4 wheelers tear up when street driven. Just not meant for it...
#23
Rotary Freak
iTrader: (1)
If you change over to any of the more common rear axles -- Ford 8.8, Ford 9, or my favorite Toyota 8, you have a wide assortment of LSDs and spools available, typically for less $$.
BTW -- another advantage of spools is that they create less heat. All that friction inside an LSD can cause issues during longer races.
BTW -- another advantage of spools is that they create less heat. All that friction inside an LSD can cause issues during longer races.
#25
Old [Sch|F]ool
Most important is to weld the spider gears to the casing, NOT to each other. Avoid welding the spider gears to each other, they will still have plenty of room to flex and move, crack the welds then chew them selves apart. When the spider gears are welded to the casing they have a solid base to resist movement.