You have to be "open" to getting stuck once in a while.

 

A limited slip diff, will allow for some different rate of rotation of each wheel. But if the rate of rotation is exceeds a preset limit, it will "lock" the two sides up together so that they each rotate at the same speed.

 

Open means multiple options.

Power through the differential can go only left, only right or any combination up to equally distributed. It is controlled by traction at each tire and will flow to the tire with lowest traction.

A limited slip limits the extremes in that operation. Power is more controlled and will be shared between min and max traction conditions at each tire. Higher clutch friction between the axles results in lower "open" behavior. A worn or non functioning clutch pack results in full open behavior.

Locked means power flow is equal to each tire regardless of traction. One tire on ice and one on pavement will still result in forward motion without any wheelspin for the tire with lowest traction. Output is equally distributed and locked to prevent unequal wheel speed.

 

f150s used to have some type of clutch pack for limited slip. They could be finicky though. I haven’t seen where they are an option anymore. I have the push button rear wheel locking which is fantastic when pulling straight from a dig. But, to your point above, this may not be good for lower speed turns on non loose surfaces.

 

Yes, it’s an “open differential”. One wheel will get all the power, sadly, it goes to the one with the least amount of traction when it/they begin to spin.

And, yes, the differential locks and provides power to BOTH wheels when the electric locker is engaged.

 

Can confirm it lays an equal patch of rubber on each side when lockers are engaged.

 

Kind of like this. KM

 

A lot of people think they understand this, but most do not.
In this thread, this is the best definition of the result of having an open differential " Equal torque to both rear wheels, issue being when one wheel has limited traction, torque to the opposite wheel is equally low"

No, open differential does not mean multiple options. And no, all the power does not go to one wheel. Both wheels always deliver equal torque to the ground. But that amount of torque is limited to the wheel with the least amount of traction resulting in the same torque delivered to the ground from the non spinning wheel. In some cases that amount is not enough to move the vehicle.

A limited slip makes it more difficult to differentiate wheel speeds resulting in less "one wheel peels". Usually limited slip differentials have clutch packs to achieve this.
A locker stops all wheel speed difference completely.

 

[QUOTE=JaseBosto;7682024] " Equal torque to both rear wheels, issue being when one wheel has limited traction, torque to the opposite wheel is equally low"

Both wheels always deliver equal torque to the ground. But that amount of torque is limited to the wheel with the least amount of traction resulting in the same torque delivered to the ground from the non spinning wheel. In some cases that amount is not enough to move the vehicle.[quote]


How is the torque limited to the low traction wheel? If its on ice it will spin while the other side is held still by tire friction and vehicle mass. All torque is going to one side in that scenario. The wheel with higher traction forces that to happen.

There is no torque limiting to the spinning wheel happening unless you have a limited slip differential or you lightly apply the brake, slow the spinning wheel and send torque to the non moving wheel.

Agree with equal traction, equal torque distribution, but you don't always have that, and thats why the advent of limited slip and lockers.

 

[QUOTE=RaptorYFM;7682032]Open diffs always deliver equal torque. Its a fact. Lift one wheel off the ground and you are delivering no torque to the ground with either wheel.
Traction control would apply brakes to that wheel off the ground making it more difficult to spin thus increasing delivered torque to both wheels.

Keep in mind that torque cannot be developed without a resisting force.