Help with differentials...

[MyEarsHurt]

Okay, so I am browsing around steeda's website, which I do from time to time, and I go to the drivetrain section, and I have to openly admit, I have no idea why anyone would need an aftermarket differential. What would be the benefits of having a "locking" differential, or any of the aftermarket differentials on steeda's website. So basically, I need some info as to why someone would need an aftermarket differential, what would be the benefits, the disadvantages, and all that info. If anyone knows, please inform me cause I am lost on the whole thing, and the all-mighty stangnet search gave no results...

 

[bdcardinal]

if you put down power thats substantially higher than stock you need a new differential. also a locking differential will in essence "lock" the 2 axles together so that you can get maximum power down to both wheels. also there are the fact of the number of splines. stock differntial is 28 spline, a lot of aftermarket diffs are 31 spline. this allows you to run more torque through your drivetrain. if you ever go to a dragstrip and have seen someone blow up their rearend you understand why people need aftermarket differentials.

 

[MyEarsHurt]

Thanks for the input, now I dont feel as retarded about the subject

 

[Ryan02Stang]

Repeated high RPM launches on slicks or making a lot of HP over stock will break the stock differential. I would not suggest a locker for your everyday driver because you will no longer have limited slip and the car will not turn well at all. I think the Eaton differential is probably the most commonly used for our car with 31 spline axles.