The Ask: What is your level of interest in commissioning a helical gear differential for modern Jaguars?

The Back Story: I am trying to develop a limited slip differential solution for the following Jaguars with DANA 44 AdvanTEK rear axles.

• F-Type, F-Pace, XF
• possibly some XE and XJ models

The solution would be based on a helical gear differential carrier, which is also called a Torsen® or TrueTrac®. This type of LSD has the following advantages over traditional friction plate types.

• Maintenance free as there are no clutches or springs
• Quiet operation with no clicking or ratcheting mechanisms
• Both forward and reverse torque transfer capability
• Instant torque transfer

I also need to learn a bit more about the XE and XJ rear axles. If you have an old one or access to a parts axle, please contact me. There are a few key dimensions that will instantly tell us if it is compatible.
Thanks, Herman

 

Please consider "voting" in the above poll.
And spread the word to any other forum members.

@tbird6 @Richard Chrimes @alphakinase @Dan Wink @lizzardo @JgaXkr @Cambo @airthirtytwo @SinF @jlsthlm @BONESTOCK @Unhingd

 

https://shop.drexler-motorsport.com/...al-jaguar?c=84

You should ask Drexler, because according to this, they already have one to suit the GKN diff.

 

@Cambo Thanks for sharing the link to Drexler Motorsports. They hadn't hit my radar yet.
Their homepage shows a cut away of a diff with friction disks, and their part description for the Jag uses "discs".
I was hoping to commission a helical gear diff (Torsen, TrueTrac, etc) which are maintenance free, otherwise we need to install a disk rebuild kit every XX kmiles.

Drexler provide mechanical drawings! OMG! I love German engineering firms.
Let me dig a bit deeper, and see what Drexler can do for us.
These drawings may also tell me if the XK/8 series have similar diffs to the DANA 44 AdvanTEK cars (F-Type, F-Pace, XF, etc.).

 

I voted as "somewhat interested" because I haven't had any real issues so far other than a pinion seal (replaced under warranty). An LSD was a "must have" for the car and that's what I've got. A Torsen unit would be a step up, but cost will be the deciding factor, including all parts and labor.

 

@Cambo Thanks again for the link. Here is what I discovered.
Drexler Motorsports lists two Jaguar compatible parts:
Part number SD-100-100-00089 for XK8 (X100) and early XK (X150)
Part number SD-100-100-00382 for XK (X150) (later models?)
The first unit (-00089) shows an axle shaft with 25 splines and a 34.6 mm OD.
While the 2nd unit (-00382) hosts an axle shaft with 31 splines and 35 mm OD.

The second unit is a match for the F-Type V6S and V6 MT cars with 3.31 reduction ratio.
But it can not directly support some of the other Jaguars with DANA 44 AdvanTEK rear axles with different gear ratios, but it is very close.
The only significant change would be the Crown Wheel location relative to the left bearing seat. An easy modification of the Drexler part.

Note: these Drexler LSD's are based on a friction disk engagement mechanism, so a potential replacement of the stock Jaguar LSD.

Does any forum member have experience with this unit? (perhaps XK? or XKR?)

 

Update:
After reaching out to several potential suppliers, I have engaged MFactory to build a Helical Geared Differential Kit for our Jaguars.
This custom differential kit is designed to serve a wide range of Jaguar applications.
To date, the below fitments have been configured.

• Jaguar F-Type Automatic Base Model (340 hp) with 3.15 rear axle tagged EX53-4A213-DA (JLR part number T2R 17980)
• Jaguar F-Type Automatic S Model (380 hp) with 3.31 rare axle tagged EX53-4A213-AA (JLR part number T2R 4000)

The next step is to investigate more Jaguar AdvanTek rear axles... specifically:

• Jaguar F-Type Manual Base Model (340 hp) with 3.31 rear axle tagged EX53-4A213-FA (JLR part number T2R 18657)
• Jaguar F-Type Manual S Model (380 hp) with 3.31 rear axle tagged EX53-4A213-BA (JLR part number T2R 1783)
• Any other Jaguar application where the owner can take measurements of the differential carrier flange height.
  • start with 3.0L gasoline, expand to 2.0L & 5.0L gas and diesel with the DANA 44 AdvanTek rear axle carrier
  • applies to F-Type, F-Pace, XF, and XJ (X531) and perhaps some others.

The MFactory Helical Geared Differential Kit will probably include the following parts:

• The helical geared carrier, maintenance free, torque bias ratio of about 3.0,
• A Ring Gear Shim which locates the Ring Gear laterally in the case to +/- 0.1 mm of OEM position
• new Ring Gear Bolts that are class 12.9 and of the right depth to engage 15 mm of threads

I will also develop a Supplemental Kit with installation directions which will take you through the process of swapping out your differential.

• Directions on upgrading your OEM rear axle housing with the helical geared differential
• Custom Bearing Shim Kit to allow for precise alignment (shims are not available from JLR)
• New carrier bearings to press onto the carrier (high quality bearings, also not available from JLR)
• optional: gear marker grease, paint brush, dial indicators, calipers, and other tools with core/deposit charges

Thoughts and discussion welcome.

 

I voted (very interested). As our platform ages and increased HP options from companies such as Velocityap arrive failure rates will also continue to increase. It is my opinion that due to the current trajectory of auto manufactures (EV) upgraded and replacement parts will have a demand as there are many enthusiasts such as myself that cringe at driving a soulless, unattractive, silent vehicle, that does not allow an owner to maintain without an electrical engineering degree.

As a great movie once stated “If you build it, they will come” including myself. Best of luck.

I will drive this until I can't drive anymore.

 

Looks like I missed the poll closure date, but please count me in if you end up having these made.