Is It Possible to Adapt a Diff Locker System for Street Driving and Drifting on a RWD Car?

Building a differential lock system that allows for seamless switching between street driving and drifting on a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) car is an exciting and innovative challenge. This article explores the practicality, reliability, and possible implementation methods for achieving this dual-purpose system. It also highlights the advantages and limitations of existing differential lock technologies, such as airlockers and Torsen differentials.

Introduction to Differential Lock Systems

Equipped with various differential lock systems, many four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles can handle a wide range of terrains, from off-road adventures to snowy conditions. Two popular types of diff lockers are 'airlockers' and 'electric lockers,' which use compressed air and solenoids, respectively, to lock the differential center.

Airlockers: A Water-Resistant Solution

One of the biggest advantages of airlockers is their ability to pressurize the differential with air, which is particularly useful for creek wading. By engaging the diff locks before entering the water, airlockers prevent water from being sucked past the seals and contaminating the oil. In addition to this, airlockers can be switched between locked and open modes more easily than traditional Detroit lockers.

Detroit Lockers: Crude but Effective

Detroit lockers are known for their crude but effective design. Under high torque conditions, a dog clutch engages between the axles, ensuring they turn at the same speed. This system works well for off-road driving, but it can cause the car to lock up when turning at high speeds, making it difficult to drift. Partial coasting is often necessary to avoid this issue.

Torsen Differentials: Precision and Drift Control

Unlike traditional differentials with bevel gears, Torsen differentials feature a system of worm and wheel gears connected by spur gears. This design allows for much more precise torque distribution between the axles, which is particularly beneficial for drift enthusiasts.

How Torsen Differentials Work

In a Torsen differential, each axle has a worm that meshes with a set of wheels, usually three. As the crownwheel turns, the worms on each axle turn the wheels for the opposite axle via the intermeshing spur gears. If one axle attempts to turn faster than the other, the system locks up because the opposite axle cannot turn the worm.

This unique mechanism enables the differential to transfer torque only to the axle with better traction. When one rear wheel is raised, the other wheel receives a higher percentage of the torque, which is customizable based on the desired torque ratio. This system can simulate a locked differential, allowing for precise control during drifting.

Is It Feasible to Adapt a Diff Locker for RWD Cars?

To adapt a diff locker for use on a RWD car, considerations such as stress, reliability, and cost must be taken into account. Airlockers and electric lockers, which are already available for many differentials, would be a good starting point.

Adapting Airlockers for RWD Cars

Since airlockers are designed for 4WD systems, adapting them for RWD cars would require careful consideration. The release of air pressure in the differential can be controlled with solenoids, allowing for seamless switching between locked and open modes. However, the mechanical stress on the differential components could be significant, requiring robust materials and careful design.

Utilizing Torsen Differentials for Simulated Locking

Torsen differentials offer a more sophisticated and precise solution for RWD cars. By specifying the torque ratio, you can achieve a locked-like feel for drifting without the need for welding. However, implementing a Torsen in an RWD car would require adapting the existing differential setup to ensure proper performance.

Conclusion

While building a diff locker system for a rear-wheel-drive car is challenging, it is not impossible. Airlockers and Torsen differentials offer promising solutions. Carefully designing the system to withstand the stresses and ensuring reliability are key considerations. Experimenting with these technologies can lead to a versatile car that excels in both street driving and drifting.

Keywords

diff locker system, airlockers, Torsen differential