| Question for those that have the Limited slip diff [message #263011] |
Mon, 29 September 2014 18:37  |
bpimm
Messages: 211
Registered: June 2013
Location: Washougal Washington
Karma: 2
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How much difference dose the LSD make? I'm spinning 1 tire all the way up my gravel driveway when I have the car and trailer on. the tire in question switches from side to side as the weight transfers so I was thinking the LSD may make the difference between tearing up my drive and making it in clean. My driveway is fairly steep and twisty.
The car is a Miata so it's about 2100 Lbs and the trailer is about 1000 lbs (I haven't weighed it yet).
Brian & RaeDean
1973 26' #383
Washougal WA
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| Re: Question for those that have the Limited slip diff [message #263044 is a reply to message #263011] |
Mon, 29 September 2014 22:44  |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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bpimm wrote on Mon, 29 September 2014 16:37How much difference dose the LSD make? I'm spinning 1 tire all the way up my gravel driveway when I have the car and trailer on. the tire in question switches from side to side as the weight transfers so I was thinking the LSD may make the difference between tearing up my drive and making it in clean. My driveway is fairly steep and twisty.
The car is a Miata so it's about 2100 Lbs and the trailer is about 1000 lbs (I haven't weighed it yet).
I installed a 3.70 limited slip final drive in January '11. We tow an '03 four door Tracker and often drive on dirt roads to get to campsites. One of our favorite summer spots is Burro Mountain Lodge near Silver City NM. To get there requires an eight mile drive up a dirt road with lots of twists and turns and several steep hills. I have experienced a little bit of the traction shift you refer to, but only a minimal amount. The LSD is NOT a locker, so it does allow some of that transfer, but it keeps the traction fairly even.
The other trip I take, and the main reason I wanted the limited slip, is my annual sand dune trip. The road into the campsite is flat, but really loose and sandy. Pulling off the road to camp is even worse. Depending on the conditions, I have still needed a tug some of the time, to get going. It really does make a difference.
Not being familiar with your driveway conditions, I can't really say that a limited slip will be the cure for your problem, but I bet it would help a lot.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/towing-etc/p41602-sand-dunes-2011.html
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: Question for those that have the Limited slip diff [message #263047 is a reply to message #263044] |
Mon, 29 September 2014 23:11 |
Neil
Messages: 271
Registered: July 2007
Location: Los Angeles and Magalia, ...
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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The LSD is a great improvement but it can not overcome physics.
I have a steep driveway with a sharp inclined uphill right turn. With a trailer that left outside wheel unloads and spins right at the apex of the turn and traction is lost. I always drop the trailer or towd in front of my neighbor's house and come back for it with my other GMC - a 1989 Jimmy 4x4 with a 454 vortec motor.
Perhaps if I had nerves of steel I could take it faster and make it, but the consequences of being wrong are not worth it.
I will say that without the LSD even coming up with no trailer was an adventure. Now much less so.
Neil
76 Eleganza now sold
Los Angeles
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