I get many questions regarding differentials and I thought I'd post this You Tube link. I've used this link many times to help people really understand how a differential works. This doesn't talk about lockers, just open differentials. It is very worthwhile. The differential explanation starts at about the 2:00 mark after some very cool old MC stunts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYAw79386WI&feature=fvw

 

At first I was like WTF? But then I finally understood how they work, thanks. I am forwarding the link to all the gearheads I know.

 

That video is made of win. That's the best explanation of a differential that I've ever seen.

 

and thats why open diffs are no fun! lol

 

very cool video

 

that was a really cool video. i had no idea thats how they worked.

 

Here is a link to a thread we should all put in our "favorites" folder on Gearing 101. Big thanks to those who put in the time to help the rest of us. You've done a great thing for the Jeep community and the good times we will now have because of you!

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...?82262-Gearing

And Thank you DynaTrac!!! Awesome link!!! I didn't know exactly how.

 

amazing vid, this really helped in my understanding. jut one noob question. the first part of the diff before the bar was able to pivot was an example of a locked diff? and the final was it a limited slip diff. or were they just showing how the idea for a diff developed?

 

Saw that years ago -- great explanation of how it works. What amazes me is that a computer you bought 6 months ago is old and out of date but the differential has pretty much remained pretty much the same for 70+ years.

 

Wow this cleared up alot of questions.