If you are into cars, you have heard about different differentials. They are a hot buzz in the automobile world, especially for jeeps. Differentials ensure that your other drive wheels on the same axle can rotate at different speeds when you need them. For example, while you are turning.
So, how do we define anti spin differential VS limited slip differential? Well, these two types of differential serve the same purpose of improving traction, but anti spin diff is best for an on-road smooth drive while limited slip diff works best in off-road traction.
Some say they are the same, while others argue about it. In this article, you will know how they work, their pros and cons, and will whether they are different or the same. After reading the article, you will be knowledgeable and expert on your differentials as well as driving.
First Overview Chart Of ASD VS LSD
Here, we attempt to make a chart for you to present the whole idea of ASD VS LSD.
| Name | Anti Spin Differential | Limited Slip Differential |
| Functions |
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| Similarities |
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| Differences |
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| Benefits |
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| Drawbacks |
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Anti Spin Differential VS Limited Slip Differential
Are anti spin diff and limited slip, the same thing, or are they different than each other? Well, arguments regarding this are ongoing. We will categorize them according to their functions, comparisons, contrasts, pros, and cons to remove the confusion and get a clear idea of these two devices.
Comparison
The significant similarity between the anti spin diff and limited slip diff, is that they both are differentials. Their main work is to keep balance in wheels while turning and moving.
- Both are designed to make turning and moving as smooth as possible.
- Both perform as a combination of open and locked differentials. They let the wheels move as open differential does, and they tend to lock the wheels while turning by balancing power and speed in them.
- They do not lock the wheels like locking differential; just make them close to balance the speed rate.
- Both these mechanisms work to improve the traction of your vehicle. When you turn your car, one of the rear wheels tends to lose traction. These devices engage the other wheel to keep the vehicle moving.
- They do not tie the axle as much as a locked differential does. This process helps the car turn around sharp corners.
Contrast
When you read or hear anti spin diff VS limited spin diff, the first thing that comes to your head is their differences. Though they have the same purpose and some similar activities, they have several significant differences.
- Limited-slip diff or LSD is more comfortable with a front wheeled drive as it affects when accelerating while anti spin diff or ASD mainly works for rear wheel purposes and does not involve the front axle.
- LSD is an excellent gear on clear and smooth roads or surfaces, while ASD performs ideal on uneven surfaces like snow, mud, rough, and even mountain. That is why most jeeps include an anti spin rear differential axle.
- Anti spin diff uses an inverted sheet of anti-spin rubber with a slick top sheet and sponge layer. In contrast, limited-slip uses clutch packs, a fusion of open and locked gear differentials.
How They Work
To drive your car well, and for your safety, you need to know how different parts of it work. From this table, you will get a clear understanding of the functions of these two differentials.
| Anti Spin Differential | Limited Slip Differential |
| Primary purpose is to remove wheel hop while turning | Holds out against the wheels’ speed difference |
| A driveline element that transfers power to the rear axle | Distributes even engine torque to each wheel |
| Passes different speeds & locks rear wheels for better traction | Creates combat torque for outputs & differential housing |
| It has clutch pack, ring gear, pinion gear, and helical gear inside | Limiting torque increases with the increasing speed |
| Clutches capture and detach to lock and unlock the rear wheels | Does not lock the wheels totally; just brings them closer |
| Allows maximum different wheels’ speed before closing the axle | Torque-sensing limits the slips to change the balance power |
| Makes sure the wheels are locked and turn at the same rate | Works as open & locking diff when one wheel needs more grip |
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Pros
The principal purpose of this differential gear is to improve traction and make turning smooth and easy. Anti spin diff and limited slip diff do their job near perfect. Let’s know about the advantages they serve.
| Anti Spin Differential | Limited Slip Differential |
| Actively transfers friction for better balance and control | Instead of giving pressure to one wheel, it balances gear ratio |
| Crown’s rotary motion & angular velocity help half shafts circle | Availability and low cost have made it a desirable upgrade. |
| Anti spin differential axle helps a vehicle to last longer. | Less stress on wheel spin & axle shafts raise the life span of tires. |
| Protects the engine power and wheels by balancing the speed | Prevents extreme wear and damage to the tires and gears |
Cons
Besides being excellent gear devices, anti-spin diff and limited-slip diff have some drawbacks. Let’s know what they are.
| Anti Spin Differential | Limited Slip Differential |
| Tend to slide down with wheel slip with a high point crown. | It needs proper and continuous care and attention. |
| The rear end slides down to one side due to mud and snow. | Does not perform and grip well in a slippery path |
| Needs extra skill and command for controlling the balance. | Clutch plates and rear tire easily got worn out. |
| On a slick road, other rear wheels may not engage ideally. | Tends to lose effectiveness without a regular usage rate |
| Leaves the rear without any traction control on the spinning wheel. | Need to use the oil regularly to keep it periodically working |
Example
As an anti spin differential is best for roads with a rough surface, most jeep cars, from jeep wrangler to RAM cab, have this gear device installed to smoothly even in rocky mountains. Wrangler Unlimited Sahara 4×4, RAM 1500 Big Horn Quad Cab, Lone Star 5.7L V8 HEMI, and RAM 1500 SLT Crew CAb are examples of jeep cars with anti spin diff.
Since limited-slip diff has a fiery performance at smooth surfaces, regular used cars, and racing cars prefer this gear. For instance, BMW M Cars, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger SRT392, Ford Mustang, Mazda MX-5, Nissan Juke NISMO RS, and Subaru BRZ are some of the cars with standard LSD gear.
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Which One To Choose
As you are reading about the similarities and differences of anti spin diff and limited slip diff, you are thinking about picking one from them as well. Which one will be the best fit for you depends on two criteria.
Use: We already know that anti spin diff is best for on-road use while limited slip diff is for off-road use. So, if you live or drive around places where the roads or surfaces are rough, rocky, or slippery, ASD is perfect for you. On the other hand, you should choose LSD if you drive on even road regularly or a racer.
Maintenance: Anti spin diff and limited slip diff both need maintenance. You need to use oil LSD regularly and take care of the tire as well. If you are not determined to spend your time on maintenance, you need to look for a low-maintenance differential.
How To Take Care Of Differentials
Differentials work best when cleaned and oiled. In every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, the oil they contain needs to be changed.
It will you fortune if you want it to be done by professionals. We will guide you to do it by yourself to save your money.
Material And Tools:
- Cleaning brush
- Drain pan
- Wrench
- Cover gasket
- Differential oil (check your manual)
- Jack and jack stand (optional)
Steps:
- Jack up or raise the vehicle and block the wheels
- Brush up the dirt and dust
- Remove the drain plug and let it drain for 30 min.
- Examine it. If you find any sludge flush it.
- Clean and replace old gasket material or sealing cover.
- Fill it with the correct gear oil with the right amount.
- Drive 15-20 miles to loosen internal dirt and sludge.
- Drain the oil and refill the differential for final.
Things Newbies Need To Know
Before splitting these two differentials; we need to know some basics. Whether you are new to these terms or not, you need to know their fundamentals. First, we will understand differential, anti spin, and limited slip, then move forward.
What Is A Differential?
Remember your toy car was not good at turning except going straight? That is because they don’t have differential gear. So, the differential is the focused function that makes you turn your vehicle around the corner.
The outside wheel must travel faster and further than the inside wheel when you turn your car. Differentials allow a pair of wheels to rotate at different speeds while driving. The input rotational speed of the driveshaft balances the average turning speed of the car by balancing outer and inner wheel speed.
Anti-spin, open, limited-slip, and locking are some of the types of differentials. A vehicle with front, rare, four, or even all-wheel drive can have more than one differential. Which type of differential and how many differentials you have depends on what kind and brand you are driving.
What Is Anti Spin Differential?
Anti spin diff is a differential gear that is designed to improve traction. This type of differential is made for the low traction situation, such as when you are driving on a snowy, muddy, slippery, and even rocky road. This gear locks the rare wheel together and develops traction. The central idea of anti-spin diff is to strengthen general safety, grip, stability, and mobility in the time of friction.
What Is Limited Slip Differential?
As the name suggests, limited slip diff limits the number of wheelspin. When you apply power to the wheel, it loses grip while driving. Limited-slip differential prevents this by balancing the engine power among the wheels. Limited-slip, also known as ‘torque-sensing, shifts a part of the torque to the wheel accompanied by the most traction. At the same time, it limits the slip on the wheel with minimum friction at a different speed.
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Common Questions
Which One Is Better, Anti Spin Diff Or Limited Slip Diff?
It depends on which road you will be driving regularly. Anti spin diff is recommended for clear on-road drive and limited slip diff is for rough roads like snow and rocky surface.
What Is The Difference Between Limited Slip And Locking Differentials?
Limited slip diff brings the rare wheels closer to balance the different speeds. On the other hand, locking diff locks the wheels to run at a fixed speed.
Is Anti Spin Diff And Limited Slip Diff The Same?
Though their purpose and some activities are the same, their functions, materials, benefits and performance are different than each other.
Which Differential Is Best For Drifting?
A two-way limited slip differential would be best for drifting or such rally driving since it has a reputation to keep speed relatively equal in such scenarios.
Is Limited Slip Good In Snow?
It can not be considered reasonable on slippery surfaces like snow, mud, and wet. A slippery surface breaks the traction and gear ratio of the wheels.
Summary
Both the differentials serve the same purpose of making turns and moves as smooth as possible for the vehicle and improving traction. Besides having the same purpose, they contrast in the case of some functions, pros, cons, and activities. After reading this article, we hope you understand the anti-spin and limited-slip differential.
