Originally Posted by cliffyk

The Traction-lok system is a clutch type LSD (Limited Slip Differential), which works by using the side thrust generated by the spider gears to load and "lock" the clutch packs--the key word here is limited.

The magnitude of the loading on the clutches, and therefore the "locking", is directly proportional to the torque being transferred through the differential--I.e. more torque = more loading of the clutches = more limited slip.

This all works best when both tires have similar grip, and during hard straight-line acceleration. If either tire has a lot less grip than the other it will spin as the loading on the clutch packs will be significantly unequal. Also, once one tire does break loose (meaning it suddenly has a whole lot less grip than the other) the whole thing breaks down until the forces, loading of the clutch packs) once again equalise.

There are also other scenarios where the load/friction on the clutches in unequal (such as while turning when one set of clutches is already slipping) and you will get a "one wheel peel".

The short story is that an LSD is not a "locker" and will never be a locker--over the years I have probably seen more clutch type LSDs being unnecessarily rebuilt, than I have being rebuilt because they needed it.

Originally Posted by Shotgun Love

By that logic, should I just try another burn out to see if my LSD is, in fact, working? Even with the clunking I've experienced? Or is there a potentially less harmful way?