Can someone explain the Front Differential?

[Ewea]

I just hopped into an existing order.

I am coming from a Raptor that had a Torsen front end.... which is basically LSD.

the TRX has something called brake distribution up front like a wrangler sport?

what is that? How does it work? How much worse is it compared to a Torsen? Can someone explain it to me? I’m brand new to MOPAR and so I apologize that it’s such a rudimentary question but I couldn’t find my answer on google.

thanks

 

[Podiesel]

The Ram 1500 TRX uses a BorgWarner 48-13 full-time active transfer case with a 2.64:1 low range. It's controlled via a switch on the dashboard. The TRX has a standard electronic rear locker, but the front axle uses the brakes to mimic a limited-slip function.
Basically the front diff is an "open" type but the computer decides where the power need to be applied.

 

[Ewea]

The Ram 1500 TRX uses a BorgWarner 48-13 full-time active transfer case with a 2.64:1 low range. It's controlled via a switch on the dashboard. The TRX has a standard electronic rear locker, but the front axle uses the brakes to mimic a limited-slip function.
Basically the front diff is an "open" type but the computer decides where the power need to be applied.

Can you elaborate a little further? Does that mean this is 3 wheel drive? The Torsen front would, if one wheel is spinning, engage the other wheel and nearly mimick a locker, certainly very much like a LSD.

sounds like this has one front wheel that turns and If it loses traction the truck puts on the brake to get the other one to spin? I’m not totally getting but I really appreciate understanding this better.

 

[PotterTRX]

Yes open front diff, the truck can apply the brakes to push the wheel spin to the other side, but yes a real LSD or Torsen would be much better.

 

[Podiesel]

Yes as PotterTRX said, the system just applies a little braking force to the spinning tire and the open differential reacts by transferring that force to the side with more traction. Many of the modern AWD vehicles operate that way. I think our older Honda Pilot does that as well as my wife's Mercedes 4-Matic AWD SUV.
Yeah a torsen LS differential would be more robust but but the proportional braking may be a little easier on the drivetrain. I think it varies the braking force thus reducing an immediate shock load if the front tires went from mud to concrete at the same time. Just thinking out loud a little right now.

 

[zillacon]

A lot of the UTV's have switched to this type of traction control in the front as well.

 

[Ewea]

You’re probably right. There is a reason MOPAR designed it that way. It wasn’t because they aren’t familiar with LSD or locking front diffs. I’m guessing it is related to the longevity of the front differential.

If the electronic slip detection and brake torque vectoring is sophisticated enough, it shouldn’t impact the offroad-ability much at all.

 

[Ewea]

I took the RAM plunge. I’m mostly a seasoned veteran on the Ford Ecoboost platform, but this is all new to me.

how long before I can get a set of pulleys that adds a couple pounds of boost?

 

[Bambi]

I took the RAM plunge. I’m mostly a seasoned veteran on the Ford Ecoboost platform, but this is all new to me.

how long before I can get a set of pulleys that adds a couple pounds of boost?

Now. Incognito. 70hp no tune

 

[Tom488]

Remember that even in a completely open differential, there isn't just one wheel receiving power. If a tire has traction, then it's providing a resistance to rotation, which will naturally transfer power to the other wheel. It's only when that tire breaks traction (and therefore stops providing any meaningful resistance to the torque of the axle) that the computer steps in and provides some artificial resistance via the brake to facilitate that power transfer to the other side.

The only real drawback is increased brake wear - but it's also much easier to replace brake pads than it is diff. clutches.

 

[Ewea]

It should theoretically work almost as well in most circumstances in comparison to a Torsen. I see your point... it’s just a few notches down in my mind... but it’s still better than no brake vectoring.

 

[thewrx]

Yes, its not as good as the raptor option.

i want to maintain traction and move forward, not apply brakes to gain traction.

So yes its like 3wd truck in some conditions.

i assume its a dana60 front pumpkin? If so there will be a LSD/locker option avail aftermarket sometime.

 

[kliffy77]

Has anyone tried this front break distribution system on a TRX and found it to work?