Torsen General Frequently Asked Questions page

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Frequently Asked Questions on Torsen differentials!

General Torsen Questions:
What is TBR?
How does the Torsen differential work?
Okay, so tell me how the Torsen differential works in non-technical jargon!
What happens when I have a wheel in the air?
Can Torsen recommend an oil for my rear axle?
How much does a Torsen differential cost?
What is the warranty for Torsen aftermarket differentials?
What is the warranty for Torsen equipped OEM manufactured vehicles?
I have an old Torsen with a part number M00#-A,B,C,D. Where is this unit used?
Torsen for Ford vehicles:
Which Torsen is in the Ranger FX4 - Level 2?
Torsen for GM vehicles:
Is it true that the Torsen unit in the production Camaro needs the GM modifier added?
I have a Torsen differential that starts with the numbers 9032 or 9022. Which differential is it?

General Torsen Questions:

What is TBR?

TBR or Torque Bias Ratio, represents the "locking effect" of the differential. Specifically, it indicates how much more torque is sent to the high
traction wheel (or axle) than is sent to the wheel with less traction. For example, a differential with a TBR of 4:1 sends 4 times the available torque
that the wheel can maintain. In the example below, 80% of the total available torque goes to the higher traction, slower spinning wheel.

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Torsen General Frequently Asked Questions page

How does the Torsen differential work?

This is a complex question, however a paper (re-written in PDF - Portable Document Format) that technically explains how the Torsen T-1
(Type A) differential works can be downloaded by clicking the Traction Control Article hyperlink. This paper was published in 1988 by the Institution
of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and describes in detail how the Torsen functions. Download it and check it out...

NOTE - You need the

to view the Traction Control Article in portable document format (PDF).

Okay, so tell me how the Torsen differential works in non-technical jargon!

This, by far, is the most commonly asked question. The Torsen differential is simply a torque multiplier that works through the use of friction
generated by thrust forces from the internal gearing. It multiplies what torque is available from the wheel that is starting to spin-up or lose traction
and sends that available torque, multiplied by the TBR, to the slower turning wheel with the better traction.

What happens when I have a wheel in the air?

As mentioned above, the Torsen differential is a torque multiplier. The Torsen requires some type of resistance or friction in the system to
function properly. A wheel in the air provides zero torque or friction on the system and as the Torsen multiplies the available torque, zero, by its TBR,
the end result is still zero. In response to this, we developed the Torsen T-2R with pre-load to combat those wheel in the air situations.

Can Torsen recommend an oil for my rear axle?

We suggest that you follow what is listed in your vehicle's owners manual. We do require that a GL4/GL5 class oil be used for the Torsen T-1. The T1 requires an oil with extreme pressure additives for optimal function. Torsen works well in either synthetic or mineral base oils!

How much does a Torsen differential cost?

We do not sell units directly from our manufacturing facility but instead use distributors to get our product directly to the end customer. Prices for
Torsen differentials vary based upon each particular application and distributor. We do not set our distributors selling price, so please contact one
of them for Torsen pricing. Torsen differentials are warranted against manufacturing defects based upon a stock vehicle under normal driving conditions.

What is the warranty for Torsen aftermarket differentials?

Please contact your point of purchase Torsen approved distributor for relevant warranty information.

What is the warranty for Torsen equipped OEM manufactured vehicles?

Please review your vehicle's owners manual and purchase documentation for important warranty information.
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Torsen General Frequently Asked Questions page

I have an old Torsen with part number M00#-A,B,C,D. Where is this unit used?

Download the Gleason Power Systems - Torsen Model List for information on those part numbers that begin with the letter M. This document dates
back to 1984 and is used for informational purposes only. You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this document.

Torsen for Ford Vehicles:

Which Torsen is in the Ranger FX4 - Level 2?

The Ranger FX4 Level 2 comes standard equipped with a pre-loaded Torsen T-2. Ranger production units will start with a 9702 serial number. Click
on the following hyperlink How do I decipher the Torsen part number? to view an explanation of what information is found in the Torsen part number on
a Ranger FX4 differential.

Torsen for GM vehicles:

Is it true that the Torsen unit in the production Camaro needs the GM modifier added?

GM issued a technical bulletin adding modifier to the rear axle oil. This was done to quiet what we call a "Rusty Screw" noise that we heard in a
very small percentage of vehicles. This does not happen in all cases, however to address owner's concerns we asked that the modifier be used in
all instances to insure that the driver would not get this noise. When replacing the fluid it is at the owner's discretion whether or not to add the
modifier. Elimination of the modifier does not affect durability of the differential.

I have a Torsen differential that starts with the numbers 9032 or 9022. Which differential
is it?

Those numbers are Torsen part numbers associated with the production 7.6" GM F-Car series (Camaro, Firebird) vehicles. The 9030, 9031 and
9032 numbers refer to the low numeric series or Series 2 axles (2.73, 2.93, and 3.08 rear axle ratios) whereas the 9020, 9021, and 9022
numbers reference the high numeric or Series 3 axles (3.23, 3.42, 3.73, and 4.11 rear axle ratios).
Typical production part numbering sequence on a Torsen differential:

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Torsen General Frequently Asked Questions page

If you have any general questions you would like answered and believe it would benefit others
by being posted here, then please feel to send us an e-mail!

Page was last updated 11/14/2006.

Send an email to webmaster@torsen.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright 1999 - 2007 JTEKT Torsen North America Inc. All Rights Reserved

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