2WD retrofitted with limited slip differential

[BenBeen]

Hi. I own a T6 TSI 2.0 110kW 6 speed manual gearbox 2WD campervan. I have an eibag lift kit installed and larger tyres (235/70R16), giving about 6cm more ground clearance . I am looking to improve traction for off-road tracks. Does anyone have experience with retrofitting the Quaife limited slip differential on the 2WD? Does it improve traction, how does it drive on normal roads, how about costs of the conversion? Please share your thoughts
Thanks

 

[yeha]

I have a Gripper plate diff in my mk1 Golf and an M-factory torque biasing diff in my Arosa. Coming from a rallying background, I regard the plate as the ultimate but it is absolutely not fit and forget. It crackles, bangs and wrecks CV's. The M-factory is pretty good and I love messing in snow and mud with it. Never got stuck even leaving the road backwards occcaisionally. I think diffs are a no brainer upgrade.

 

[BenBeen]

Hi , thanks that’s really helpful feedback.

 

[jenna_lives]

I have a Gripper plate diff in my mk1 Golf and an M-factory torque biasing diff in my Arosa. Coming from a rallying background, I regard the plate as the ultimate but it is absolutely not fit and forget. It crackles, bangs and wrecks CV's. The M-factory is pretty good and I love messing in snow and mud with it. Never got stuck even leaving the road backwards occcaisionally. I think diffs are a no brainer upgrade.

 

[jenna_lives]

Sorry, new to this forum, and somehow replied with no response. I just wanted to say thank you for this response

 

[Kind of Blue]

Hi. I own a T6 TSI 2.0 110kW 6 speed manual gearbox 2WD campervan. I have an eibag lift kit installed and larger tyres (235/70R16), giving about 6cm more ground clearance . I am looking to improve traction for off-road tracks. Does anyone have experience with retrofitting the Quaife limited slip differential on the 2WD? Does it improve traction, how does it drive on normal roads, how about costs of the conversion? Please share your thoughts
Thanks

That is the best way to go. I have a 4Motion and it is frequently on the back of my mind. The Quaife /Ferguson/Torsen type of Differential is fantastic as it also works through bends where as a Locking Differential gets wound up in bends or tight turns and can ultimately break a diff or axle. The other type of friction disc limited slip differential is very crude and can be snatchy and requires maintenance. So I have not had it done but I am interested please keep us posted if you carry on.

I wish that the Front, the Rear and that the Center where operated by a Quaufe type geared differential and that the HALDEX had never been invented.

 

[Paynewright]

The quaife ATB can also snap driveshafts albeit in racing conditions, when you lift a wheel. As it lands and gets grip again is when the problems can occur. I know unlikely in a T6!

Plate diffs (with a series of friction plates and belville washers) are best set up (preload) based on the vehicle they are going in (weight / power) and the type of driving they are used for. They should slip undertaking normal manoeuvres but lock when one wheel loses traction. The amount of slip before lock up is determined by the preload.

As with everything, different types of differentials have different characteristics, positives and negatives. Do your research to pick the best for your circumstances.

I have an ATB in another vehicle. They are generally fit and forget. They are not a true LSD as they simply put the power to the wheel with traction through a series of gears.

An LSD will lock the axle when slip occurs, so both wheels turn at the same speed regardless of traction.

 

[Kind of Blue]