Torsen was / is used by Audi, but other manufacturers still can use it as well - the 2003+ Range Rover used it, and I believe a Toyota product did as well. Ford uses a Torsen in the front differential of the outgoing Raptor. I love Torsen because it is 100% mechanical and really doesn't wear out. Mostly it is a product for a center differential.

 

So what does everyone think about the TrueTracs then? They are completely mechanical as well and relies on the same principles as a torsen from what I can tell..

 

Other than being purely mechanical, I don't believe the Torsens and TrueTracs share any design principles. The Torsens use helical meshing worm gears to lock.

 

The detriot brand true track is the worm gear type, I've installed one on my friends 67 cougar, and I had one in my old 2003 f250 that I traded. I loved it in the truck, it was much better than the original Ford traclok LSD.

 

I'd rather have the TrueTrac than the G80. Most of these solutions have their applications. But honestly the factory rear ELD with LSD has been the best of all possible worlds for me. I'm so glad they introduced it back when I got my truck.

 

Isn't that exactly what the truetrac is as well??

 

No. The Torsen is a different beast. More complex and sophisticated, applying in degrees and able to be finely tuned and controlled.

 

How to change rear axle tube seals

 

^^This. I'm not an expert on Torsens, but it is as seamless as can be. My limited understanding is that the helical worm gears "jam" against each other to cause lockup, but in a variable and progressive manner. The downside to a Torsen is that with a wheel off the ground, it doesn't work. It needs some resistance. Electronic traction control can supply that resistance.

I've only had a Torsen (center differential) in an Audi A8, and it worked flawlessly, unlike most everything else on that car.

 

Exactly, that's why it's called a TORSEN limited slip, not a locker.

 

Ok that makes a little more sense..still fuzzy but I'll research more.

One other question, in a factory electric locker axle, is there a limited slip clutch pack installed as well? or is it strictly open or locked, no in-between

 

It is strictly open or locked. The electronic traction control pulsing on the brakes of a spinning wheel will simulate a limited slip while the locker is not engaged.

 

Im pretty sure there are clutch packs for LSD. But maybe I'm wrong, and the traction control system simply used braking at one wheel or the other to keep things in line?

 

JetExpress was referring to the factory electric locker, not an LSD. So with the factory Ford locker, its all or nothing, except what the electronic traction control provides.

 

I was referring to his question about the factory rear differential as well. I think you're right, that in this case it's purely a locking differential, that slippage is handled by traction control, with no LSD clutch packs. I looked it up in the manual and it does not call for any friction modifier in the rear, which means it's not accounting for LSD clutch packs.