[Martin1996]

I have a limited slip diff in my Thunderbird, but the other day i was sliding and when i had spun around and slowed a lot suddenly it started 1 wheel peeling. I let off the gas and my limited slip diff came back but why did it cut out for that second? Is that how these are built or are the clutch packs inside of it slipping. I havent had an issue with it since.

 

[RalphP]

Clutch packs may be worn out.

Do remember, they're 25 years old of use and abuse; they DO wear out.

I'd plan on a rebuild if I were you.

RwP

 

[dDUBb]

Im still trying to figure out what "sliding and spun around" means .. 🤔 that is not normal driving.

 

[Grog6]

Here in the south we call that "having fun in a parking lot." (walmart at 3:30 am)

 

[Martin1996]

I believe my clutch packs are starting to slip in my diff. When replacing them is there an upgrade i can do to make it better in some way?

 

[XR7-4.6]

Technically they’re designed to start to slip, that’s why they’re referred to as… drumroll …limited slip. There are alternate stacking sequences where you can use an extra friction per side during a rebuild to firm it up

 

[Zep5.0]

There is a better spring. Maybe an F150 iirc. You can get a kit with the better S spring and carbon clutches

 

[XR7-4.6]

There is a better spring. Maybe an F150 iirc. You can get a lot with the better S spring and carbon clutches

The F-150 S spring doesn’t do anything but make itself harder to install, it’s usefulness as a trac lok stiffener is an urban legend

 

[Martin1996]

Ill see what I can afford. Im basically just looking for a little upgrade if im gonna be replacing it. My plans with the car are to make it corner very well and see what its capabilities are in racing and autox, so i would wanna keep the lsd and probably change the rear gears while im at it.

 

[XR7-4.6]

You can rebuild the clutch pack without disassembling and rebuilding the whole diff, it’s actually pretty easy.

If you’re interested in all out handling a lot of people leave the S spring out entirely for the purpose, keeps the clutches loose decelerating into turns but engages like it’s supposed to with power applied out of the turn.

 

[Martin1996]

You can rebuild the clutch pack without disassembling and rebuilding the whole diff, it’s actually pretty easy.

If you’re interested in all out handling a lot of people leave the S spring out entirely for the purpose, keeps the clutches loose decelerating into turns but engages like it’s supposed to with power applied out of the turn.

I might leave the spring in then. Im practicing slip angle in the car currently so I'd want that extra rotation on turn in.

 

[Kenz]

I had a bad experience by adding the Ford friction additive. I added the entire little bottle while changing the diff fluid. After a few days the limited slip was doing almost nothing. I changed out the fluid again minus the Ford additive, and it's been working great since. If anything it's a bit too tight now because I get some chatter from it in tight corners.

Also are the carbon fiber clutch packs any better?

Ford Performance Traction-Lok Rebuild Kit With Carbon Fiber Clutch Pack 8.8" Mustang 1985-2014

Ford Performance Traction-Lok Rebuild Kit with a Carbon Fiber Clutch Pack for all 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 Mustangs with 8.8" Traction-Lok...

www.cjponyparts.com

 

[Martin1996]

I had a bad experience by adding the Ford friction additive. I added the entire little bottle while changing the diff fluid. After a few days the limited slip was doing almost nothing. I changed out the fluid again minus the Ford additive, and it's been working great since. If anything it's a bit too tight now because I get some chatter from it in tight corners.

Also are the carbon fiber clutch packs any better?

Ford Performance Traction-Lok Rebuild Kit With Carbon Fiber Clutch Pack 8.8" Mustang 1985-2014

Ford Performance Traction-Lok Rebuild Kit with a Carbon Fiber Clutch Pack for all 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 Mustangs with 8.8" Traction-Lok...

www.cjponyparts.com

I assume those would wear out faster and be more expensive to replace, right?

 

[XR7-4.6]

Actually the CF should last a bit longer, but I don’t think they’re really worth the premium, alternate stacked standard clutches > carbon fiber standard stack(you could probably alternate stack those but you’d need to buy two sets). I think once you get to the point here you’re desiring upgrading the traction lok you should move on to a Torsen or similar instead.

 

[Martin1996]

Actually the CF should last a bit longer, but I don’t think they’re really worth the premium, alternate stacked standard clutches > carbon fiber standard stack(you could probably alternate stack those but you’d need to buy two sets). I think once you get to the point here you’re desiring upgrading the traction lok you should move on to a Torsen or similar instead.

Alternate stacked clutches? Is it as simple as it sounds?