limited-slip differential?

[Crewdude007]

My daily driver is a 2001 XJ Sport with Dana 35c rear axle. I've been told that I have an open differential in the rear. I drive mostly on pavement (rarely off-road) and I'm frustrated that whenever I encounter wet (or even damp) roads both my rear tires spin. Will a locking or limited-slip differential solve this problem (or at least lessen it)? If so, what are my options? Is it worth the effort?

	Limited-Slip Differential Provides the same basic functions as an axle differential, but with an added advantage: when the drive wheel begins spinning as a result of being on a slippery surface, a limited-slip differential automatically transfers torque to the opposite wheel to help improve traction.

[graewulf]

if both tires are spinning the problem is too much skinny pedal. Better tires will help too. Limited slip or locker will only help if one tire spins and the other just sits there.

	Locking Differential Provides even more traction than a limited-slip differential by “locking” the axle shafts together when the driver wants to do it. Locking differentials do not allow for wheel-speed differences and must not be used on dry, paved roads.

[Bounty__Hunter]

A limited slip or locker will also spin both tires. The problem with an open differential is that all the power is sent to the wheel with the least amount of traction, so you'll find yourself stuck spinning one tire while the other just sits there.

I would recommend a limited slip differential for your application. They're more pricey than locking differentials and can be more costly to install, but it's transparent onroad as opposed to the quirks of a locker.

	Locking Differential Provides even more traction than a limited-slip differential by “locking” the axle shafts together when the driver wants to do it. Locking differentials do not allow for wheel-speed differences and must not be used on dry, paved roads.