Is there any difference between a gear oil API GL 5 and a gear oil API GL 5 for limited slip differentials?
Yes, there is a difference between the Two oils. API GL5 with limited slip properties are meant for four wheel drive vehicles differential system wherein the gear oil is supposed to provide limited slip manovarablity while driving in a muddy/Sandy road coditions. Most of SUVs are fitted with this kind of gear system. Simple API GL5 oil is for transmission and differential system. There is a variation in additive formulation beteween these two oils. Kumar kumartr2@yahoo.com
Limited slip technology also called Posi Track is been in use in differentials since the early 50's, the US big V8s of yesteryears necessitated this technology due to their immense amount of torque at low RPM would make even the stickiest rubber spin. Basically it is a set of clutches which works on centrifugal principle and when one of the wheel starts spinning, it stops power to that particular wheel and transfers it to the other wheels. Limited slip differentials definitely need gear oils certified for them or else you will end up frying the friction plates.
Limited slip diffs are used in 2 wheel and 4 wheel drive vehicles but for true 4WD wheeling you need diff locks on all four wheels and the center diff, it is a rarity today with only few vehicles like the Land Rover, Mercedes G, Trax Gurkha offering it along with certain Toyota Land Cruisers and Pajero.
quote:Originally posted by Gurkha: Limited slip technology also called Posi Track is been in use in differentials since the early 50's, the US big V8s of yesteryears necessitated this technology due to their immense amount of torque at low RPM would make even the stickiest rubber spin. Basically it is a set of clutches which works on centrifugal principle and when one of the wheel starts spinning, it stops power to that particular wheel and transfers it to the other wheels. Limited slip differentials definitely need gear oils certified for them or else you will end up frying the friction plates.
Limited slip diffs are used in 2 wheel and 4 wheel drive vehicles but for true 4WD wheeling you need diff locks on all four wheels and the center diff, it is a rarity today with only few vehicles like the Land Rover, Mercedes G, Trax Gurkha offering it along with certain Toyota Land Cruisers and Pajero.
