I have always favoured driving LSD equipped RWD cars.

Long time readers might remember that my search for a LSD has
been endless.

But now that installing one is in sight, I have over researched
and come up with something new.

There are stories around claiming that an open diff is more stable in
bad weather. Stability is distinct from traction in my mind.

Has anyone experienced this?

It's been four years since I had a LSD, but I don't recall this type
of behaviour at all.

Maybe those comments come from drivers weaned on FWD who have
suddenly moved to a LSD+RWD.

The only bad experiences I have had in snow are:

- Sterling 825S(Acura Legend - gen 1) = snap oversteer on lifting accelerator
- Saab 900S = massive understeer

Both on off camber turns.

++

 

I had a Camaro with LSD and never had a problem.

 

When I replaced my wife's 1992 XJ40 open diff with a 're-bearinged' 'power-lock' I noticed that it would 'fishtail' more easily in the rain.

Before that, the car would just sit there for a second or two while the single rear wheel 'spun'.

Just something I noticed.

bob gauff

 

Well, fishtailing I can handle. In fact getting the tail hung out there is the point
of the exercise. Nothing someone outside can really see. It just feels more
balanced on sweepers. Of course, there are huge benefits in deep snow.

But, twitching and darting from side to side in rain or ice would be not comfortable.
That was happening a couple of years ago until I set the rear toe-in to just a hair in
from straightahead. It was "in spec" but now it isn't.