Welded differential ?'s

[Dirtylou]

Yo, first of all word to everybody. Now, I hate to sound like a "noob" here but I've been hearing about welded diffs lately and don't know exactly what it is. I know basic knowledge of gears and diffs so I'm thinking it's when you spot weld the pinion gears to the side gears for foward motion at all times. I don't know if thats right so thats why I asked. Oh yeah, I try our beloved search button and I only came across opinions of the diff. ::RESPECT::

[madbouncy]

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential.htm

Pretty much the best and easiest explaination of differentials I've ever seen. Though welding the differential is basicaly like having a solid axle. It makes the wheels spin at the same speed. That's good for drag racing but that's about it. The problem is, when you take a corner your outside wheel travels further, so it needs to spin faster. But if your wheels can't spin at different speed, they'll just start to hop instead.

[Dirtylou]

So I'm guessing it's out of the question to have one in a daily driver. It might make driving in the rain tricky.

[madbouncy]

I've never driven in a car with one so I couldn't tell you how bad it is, I assume for dry weather it might take some getting use to but it wouldn't be that bad. THough in the rain it would probably mess with you, since the most you could have is the one wheel having traction, you'd be garunteed the other would break traction because it would have to to make the turn. Same with the snow.

[toptechracing]

NOT A Street Mod. I have driven with a welded diff and they are not for street use.

[themadscientist]

BOOM!!! Very dangerous, get a proper diff.

[nissandrift]

I have a freind thats been driving a welded diff. for over a year now. Hes loves it for events, and doesnt mind the handling. His problem is that hes going through rear tires every 3k miles or so.

[Dirtylou]

Really since the first time I heard about welding the diff I've never really been fond of the idea. Maybe if you have a spare unit and some basic welding skills...why not. But as far as I'm concerned, I don't think that my driving is that hardcore. I'm shooting for a factory lsd and maybe moving onto a 2 way unit later. Maybe in a couple years when I get use to being sideways.

[elesjuan]

I have a pickup truck (well, it looks like one.. as far as functionality goes, its not.) with a spool rear end (basically just like welded, only lighter, stronger, and not ghetto). DEFINATLY NOT a good idea for street driving. Cornering is OUT of the question. Apply power while you're entering or even slightly exiting a corner and you'll lose it. I went cheap for a truck I only drive on the street from my shop to the racetrack and I would not do it again.

The one thing I can say about it, at least it never slips or comes unlocked. Works great for donuts, too.

(88 Ranger longbed, 2.3 turbo, 22#, FMIC, 9" rear, spool, 26x11.5x16" BFG Drag Radials)