His first and second sentence is 100% correct.

The above underlined is just not true. I've explained it the best I can.

 

Me too.

Have a nice Thanksgiving

 

Ok, lets try and attack this from a different angle.

How does a dynamometer measure torque? Answer: it measures torque by applying a controlled load.
Why does it have to apply a controlled load? Answer: because torque cannot be developed without an applied load.


The same thought process applies here. In the case of a vehicle with an open differential the only amount of torque that can be developed is limited by the wheel with the least traction. One tire on pavement, the other on ice. Hit the gas and the tire on ice will spin. Because of this, there is not a lot of torque developed because there is not enough applied load there. The exact same amount of torque is also being applied to the tire on pavement. But it is not enough to move the vehicle because it is limited to the maximum available torque created by the tire spinning on the ice.
The above scenario is why they created traction control. By applying brakes to the wheel on ice, the brakes are creating an applied load to that wheel. That applied load is what enabled the engine and transmission to develop more torque. Both wheels still deliver the same torque but because the applied load enabled more torque to develop, at some point its enough for the tire on pavement to move the vehicle.

 

No, think about it. Remember, torque does not require motion, power does. A locked rear almost never splits power equally between each side. While they are spinning the same speed, they typically won't have exactly the same torque. The torque applied is equal to the torque of resistance, which is only accidentally, momentarily the same. Even if the coefficient of friction between the tire and pavement is the same, the load likely isn't due to vehicle static loading or dynamic suspension loading.

 

Lol, went from "why is it called an open differential" to back of the napkin dissertations on what it torque.

I understand how they work. I'll continue with that.
Maybe torque was the wrong term, who knows. I'm sure I'm not the only one who is ready for class to be over.

Happy Thanksgiving

 

Agreed and likewise. I guess I'm the student with one more question. For those of us with 4WD when in that mode, does the electronic locking when activated apply to the front differential as well? That would seem ideal if so, to prevent a 3WD condition.

 

No front locker on our trucks. That is availble on certain Broncos and has its own switch.

 

So you're the kid at the front of the class lol?

 

Yeah I guess so, but with the F-150 4x4 cap. The locking front differential may be available on the Raptor as well.

 

I'm not sure about a front EL but Torsen LS are in Raptor/Bronce Sasquatch packages. KM