Traction

["Jerry FIELDS" <Jerry.Fields@ccmail.adp.wisc.edu>]

     Glen:
     
     You are right in saying there is an apparent increase in traction. 
     What I said, which may be a minor point, is that there really isn't 
     more traction, you are using what is there more efficiently when using 
     a locked differential due to the re-distribution of torque to both 
     wheels. I agree, a performance improvement will result by limiting 
     wheel hop and effects of weight transfer, which causes some of the 
     torque to be wasted in spinning a wheel instead of puting that power 
     on the ground. (There may be suspension mods that could handle these 
     problems in a more efficient fashion.) Still, the traction available 
     remains the same, all other factors equal, whether you have an open or 
     locked differential. Traction is a function of friction coefficients 
     between the contacting surfaces, and is independent of torque, unless 
     that torque changes the tire footprint, contact pattern, or other 
     surface to surface variables of both tires. (If one tire variable 
     changes, does the other change to compensate?) You can't create 
     traction; you can only use what is there more efficiently.
     
     Jerry Fields