I ran a search here and didn't find either my question or answer. On hard, dry pavement does an open differential apply any torque to the "2nd wheel"? On a '94 E-150 (and I think an 8.75 rear end) is one wheel the dominant? From what I'm been able to read from Ford they never get too deep into it. If I'm starting from a stop in deep gravel, sand or snow I'll use 2nd on the automatic xmission but the starts are so mild I can't hear any spinning.

 

An open diff will deliver 50% torque to each wheel if they have the same traction, but more torque is sent to one wheel or the other(there is no preferred side) as soon as the traction situation changes to favor one side.
This operation has nothing to do with whatever gear the transmission is using.

 

Conanski hit it right on the head. Check out this video:


Obviously these vans don't have any fancy technology built in to the diff like the Mclaren P1 described in the video, but it does a good job describing how an open diff works.

 

If you have one wheel spinning, you can gradually apply the emergency brakes to help equalize the torque between the wheels.

 

On a conversion van with a 302, you'd be hard pressed to get any wheelspin anytime ! LOL !

 

A limited slip or locked rear diff will spin both wheels leaving you with no control, thats why in winter, those who have no throttle control wind up in a ditch with a limited vs an open, open is kind of better, but I like smoking both.