On Mon, 15 Jun 1998 SyncroHead@AOL.COM wrote:

> In a message dated 98-06-13 23:50:12 EDT, vw4x4@FYI.NET writes:
> > I have done this. Not an back yard mech. thing. To much
> >  machining and AL welding.  Does not work as well as a
> >  true limited slip dif. would.
>
> This doesn't make sense.  A locker like the one the Vanagon uses imparts a
> direct metal-to-metal 100% lock up across the rear axle and does not allow any
> slip.
> How could a limited slip differential work better?
> Assuming Johan Nyberg's request was to improve traction in mud, snow, sand, or
> loose dirt, this is a perfect application for a locker.  No serious off-roader
> would consider just a limited slip diff.
>
> Regards, Jim Davis
>
    Hey Jim,
      I can't stand to type any more so I will keep this short. A liminted
slip Diff. Is nothing more than a standard dif. with a spring loaded
clutch pack over
it. In this arrangement you get the traction of a locker but the slip as
needed. For example : On mud or snow the clutches refuse to let
loose providing both rear wheels power. Only under the extreme force of
the vehicle weight trying to snap the rear axle in 2 pieces will the
clutch pack givein, and slip. This is provided that the weight of the
vehicle and the axle are properly engineered.  Many racers use this.
Many hipo car in the 60's had them. Lock axles are out of the question
because of the inability to steer once locked. I've been there, done
that. I'll go for a limited slip the first day some one offeres it for
the Vanagon Syncro...as long as it was properly designed any day.
I have a limited slip in my Z car. Never have a problem turning over
both  rear tires or turning a corner. But my 2 wheel drive that I put
the locker in woould run you right off the road.. just did not turn.
Yes the clutches where out. But not very easy. Locker don't. but they
do put an extreme force on the axles..And I mean Extereme!

               Your turn Eric