LSD Inserts

[Greg F]

Are these things a complete waste of time? They're not as extreme as welding a diff, but how do they perform on asphalt under deceleration while turning?

Would they allow any slip at all in the snow, or would they just make the car plough?

[nissannx]

Looks like a Phantom Grip LSD?
They work. Most would recommend getting the green springs. There was nothing else available for my car - if there is from what I've read you may want to research that option as it could be better. I've just installed a set this summer and am pleased so far - but won't be out in the snow with them.

[Marsh]

They work. They destroy your diff, but they work. The phantom unit just creates friction between the two sides so that any differentiation results in grinding and wear on a surface never intended to even have force applied to it. They also work the same under braking as under acceleration.

The expensive part of an LSD is the installation. But cheaping out on the part won't save you money if it ruins your diff and you have to replace everything again. Get a proper LSD if you can.

[uptownguy]

Volkswagen used spring loaded diffs in the early GTI's they were great in Ice racing over normal diffs.
The Phantom Grip is basicly the same as the internals on the later Players GM Diffs where the springs apply pressure between the spider gear carriers and the housing on the Ring Gear.
You can check the breakaway pressure with a torque wrench and change springs for different traction.

Peter Austin
Montreal

[mikewolf]

one issue I've always been concerned about with the phantom grips is that there are two pieces of metal grinding against eachother in the diff. I'm assuming there would be some metal bits that would be floating around in the diff oil.

[JoeT]

one issue I've always been concerned about with the phantom grips is that there are two pieces of metal grinding against eachother in the diff. I'm assuming there would be some metal bits that would be floating around in the diff oil.

Ding ding ding.. Hit the nail on the head. Unlike the ones that come out of the factory, the spider gear surfaces were not machined or prepared for the constant meshing of metal to metal. The ones from the factory that resemble that (players Camaro), VW, etc. were designed and / or engineered from the start with that in mind.

Another issue I have with the Phanthom Grip type of device is the unpredictable way they apply LSD type of pressure. Once overpowered aka slipping, the performance continues to degrade. As opposed to the sure track, torsen, or clutch type of differentials which provide predictable outcomes.

My 2 cents, if the diff is coming out, and you need to re-shim it, even a crappy OBX type of pod unit will perform better than the Phanthom grip.

OBX is more money, but it's still 1/3 the price of a real brand name LSD.
http://shop.ebay.ca/items/?_nkw=OBX+LSD&_sacat=0&_fromfsb=&_trksid=m270&_odkw=OBX+Talon&_osacat=0