Transmission questions

[Tony Hoffman]

A TORSEN (TORque SENsing) differential only allows a certain amount of
slippage, as the gears essentially slide from one side to the other.
then, after that, it's essentially locked. At least, this is my
understanding from the literature and pictures I have in my possesion.
And, it would explain the driveline bind when on the gas at low
speeds.

So, one in the front is probably not such a good idea, much the same
as why Audi didn't put a locker in the front of the early Quattro's.
Works great in off-road trucks and whanot, at the expense of steering
fight. I've only had the opportunity to drive one such vehicle, a
Scout II. There were two levers on the floor, each locked one end. The
transfer case did the center. Yeah, it was interesting with no power
steering when we got offroad on into rocks, whatnot. The steering
wheel fought like there was no tomorrow when going over rocks,
potholes, changing surfaces, and logs. However, the thing would go
anywhere, I've never been more amazed! But, it's not for the timid,
and certainly not needed anywhere but serious offroading.

And, that's why it's not on the front of an Audi ;-) Not really
intended for serious offroading, as stated in the manual. Also, as
mentioned, pretty hard to steer/control when going from one surface to
another. Plus, on dry pavement, It can't be good for the ring and
pinion.

Just my .02, though,
Tony

On Sat, Apr 25, 2009 at 10:56 AM, Mark R <speedracer.mark at gmail.com> wrote:
> Torsen = magic.
>
> That's all we need to know.  =)
>
> PS- I always wondered what would happen if I installed a Torsen diferential
> in the front AND rear of my '00 S4 (leaving the center Torsen in place).
> Would it be the "ultimate" in torque transfer or would it just end up
> "confusing" the hell out of the center torsen?  I.E. what forces would
> transfer under slip to the center?  I tried to apply some math and logic
> around this a few years ago... and didn't get anywhere.  A race engineer I
> spoke with about it said "wow, I never thought about that."  Then he
> couldn't figure it out either!   LOL
>