Which limited slip for me?

[curtis73]

I'm looking at two limited slip projects in the near future.

First one: My Impala SS has an 8.5" with an Auburn-type cone style limited slip. From what I understand, they are not rebuildable and I don't like the bias. It feels like there is excessive lockup during turns and maneuvering, but its pretty easy to get one wheel spinning on uneven traction surfaces. If one wheel is on ice, you're not moving, but if you try to turn in a tight parking lot, you can feel it fighting you. Driving style is usually pretty aggressive when its just me, but it does play the role of cross-country cruiser every once in a while. Its also the luxury transportation and I don't want to explain to my mother-in-law that the clunking is not a bad sound All street, no race. What do you suggest and why?

Second one: My 73 Impala Station wagon, also with an 8.5. Its currently an open diff, but the new 400-horse engine makes that somewhat of a joke. This car is a daily driver/freeway cruiser. It will retain the stock suspension, so it is also not a racer. I just want to reliably hook some rubber to the road.

Both have large turning radii so I want something that will fully differentiate in turns but also positively lock. I thought the answer for both was going to be one of those Powertrax, but they seem like they might be hard on axleshafts and completely useless for traction in turns.

Any thoughts?

[Moppie]

Got a welder?

[Elk]

Only thing I could think that would work the why you wont it to was this: Ected

[benchtest]

Curtis, Hard to beat a standard clutch-type posi. They're quiet, smooth, predictable, repairable and reliable. I've beat on my posi for over 100K and except for breaking the case in half on the factory model (7.5" Ford - replaced with Motorsport version), it's never let me down...street or strip. Just my 2 cents.

[curtis73]

Originally Posted by benchtest

Curtis, Hard to beat a standard clutch-type posi. They're quiet, smooth, predictable, repairable and reliable. I've beat on my posi for over 100K and except for breaking the case in half on the factory model (7.5" Ford - replaced with Motorsport version), it's never let me down...street or strip. Just my 2 cents.

Good advice. I like that they are rebuildable, but the ones I've had have been a bit of a pain. It seems like you are always at a huge trade off; either you get good even traction and put up with the turning problems (like an Eaton with 800-lb springs) or get smooth turning with pathetic torque bias (like the same with 400-lb springs).

What about something like a gov-lock? I have one in my 14-bolt truck axle, but I've never had that car running long enough to know if I like it. I've heard people speak badly of it, but is there something like it for an 8.5? In case some of you don't know, (and I'm terrible at this since I know very little about them) its the one they use in trucks that has spider gears and clutches and acts as an open diff until spin is detected, then it locks up the clutches.

I also just recently read that its possible to replace the springs in Eaton units with shims to get better free-wheeling when driving normally, and more positive lockup when thrashing. Ever hear of it?

[Evil Result]

TorSen diff.... they can be bulit for bias although i read about there greatness i'm not shure what there like for daily driving. and if you loose traction on 1 tire applying a little parking break can get you out.

[benchtest]

I've heard of the gov-lok, but I don't know if it's available for smaller diffs. It's overly complicated in my opinion. Are you referring to changing the 'S'-spring to coils in the Eaton, or something diffferent? It sounds like a personal choice for you. None are perfect.