What is an open diff?

I've been looking at some drivetrain parts and how some of the 240's came with an open diff, i think its just s14's, but what exactly is an open diff vs an lsd vs vlsd?

I've searched this forum for "open diff" but none of the other threads really explain it.

im going to give you a quick tutorial on this subject.

open diff means only 1 tire ever spins (evaaaaa!!!)

now vlsd is open diff when going around sharp corners (allows the clutch packs that are in the diff to break away at certain ft lbs to reduce noise and vibration)

...so in general vlsd have clutch packs inside the rear diff that allows both wheels to hook up.

these can wear out, there fore if you get a vlsd make sure its a low mileage one ;)

~Nick

Its my understanding (so please correct me if im wrong) a VLSD uses fluid to lock the axel (spins both tires) where as a typical LSD uses a clutch pack. and an open Diff uses spider gears to put power to the tire with least resistance. and yes, you can spin both tires with open diff.. my cutlass was proof of that

Well since my car only has one tire spinning then does that mean that I have an open diff?

And if so then pretty much every car has at least an open diff which basically means that it doesnt have an lsd, right?

Well since my car only has one tire spinning then does that mean that I have an open diff?

And if so then pretty much every car has at least an open diff which basically means that it doesnt have an lsd, right?



Yes.

Every car has an open differential, unless of course it has an LSD.

Got it.

"Open Diff" is just a clever way of saying "your car doesnt have an LSD BUT it does have an open differential" (which basically means it doesnt have anything or do anything cool)

right. theres a few different kinds of differentials, VLSD uses the viscous properties of oil to help convince the wheels to spin the same speed, but oil isnt as strong as metal or friction surfaces. thats why a VLSD will act like an open diff if the fluid is old/abused.

open diff is the poor man traction control... that is why its standard.

ur grandma will not know what to do when the back of her car will come out while she is making a U turn! (for us its he fun part! for her it a life threatening situation)

open diff is gay but it makes the car act as FWD and it saves gas+ clutch + tiers too...

get a LSD for Gods sake, any RWD car NEEDS LSD 1st then everything else later!