The locking differential consists of the following components:
• | Differential Pinion Gears and Thrust Washers |
• | Differential Cam Unit and Clutch Disc Assembly (Left Side) |
• | Differential Side Gear and Clutch Disc Assembly (Right Side) |
• | Differential Side Gear Thrust Washer (Left Side) |
• | Differential Side Gear Shim (Right Side) |
• | Locking Differential Governor Assembly |
• | Locking Differential Latching Bracket Assembly |
The locking differential allows for normal differential function as
indicated in the standard rear axle description. Additionally, the locking
differential uses multi-disc clutch packs and a speed sensitive engagement
mechanism that locks both wheels together if one wheel spins excessively
during slow vehicle operation. Under light loads, the clutch plates alone
tend to lock the axle shafts to the differential case, and therefore
locking to each other. This is due primarily to the gear separating the
load developed on the right clutch pack. This induced clutch torque capacity
resists motion between the side gear and the axle differential case.
The differential allows the wheels to turn at different speeds while
the axle shafts continue to transmit the driving force. Heavier throttle
application will cause an axle speed difference. This action starts the
full-lock feature of the unit. Full-lock activation is accomplished through
the use of a heavyweight governor mechanism, a cam gear unit and a multi-disc
pack. The flyweights on the governor mechanism move outward in order
to engage a latching bracket whenever the wheel-to-wheel speed varies
by approximately 100 RPM or more. This action locks the cam plate,
which expands the cam gear unit and compresses the multi-disc clutch packs
on each side of the differential which locks both of the side gears to
the case. The 100 RPM wheel-to-wheel speed allows for cornering
with the differential lockup. At vehicle speeds above approximately 32 km/h
(20 mph), the latching bracket overcomes a spring preload and
swings away from the flyweights. At this vehicle speed or greater, the
differential is designed not to lock since added traction is generally
not needed.