> however, creates problems if you try to turn the van, as both wheels
> need to spin at different rpm to complete the turn, which is the whole
> reason for having differentials in the first place :-)
>
> Someone correct me if I'm way off base on my understanding of how a
> differential works :-)

yeah, you're correct in your understanding about how a diff works.

Sudhir H. Desai                         1984 VW Vanagon 3.4 liter Chevy V-6
cdes@welchlink.welch.jhu.edu            1996 Subaru Outback 2.2 liter flat-4
sudhir_desai@geocities.com              1997 Jeep Cherokee 4.0 liter I-6
ICQ# 8255956
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Speedway/1889