08-01-2015, 03:33 PM
Echoing what JP says, the ATB (Quaife) isn't a locking diff... It's a helical, so as said, if one wheel is airborne or has next to zero grip, then there's no torque to be sent to the other side, it'll still spin. It's a torque BIASING diff, not a locking diff.
Locking or plate type diffs (Kaaz, Gripper, Tran-X etc.) are far more hardcore, they are quite heavy handed in their operation and require a somewhat "balls to the wall" approach to get the best from them, of course, these diffs can lock and send power away from a completely airbone wheel to the one with grip... Sometimes that's absolutely what you want, but can be a little aggressive for an every day road car that is sometimes taken on track.
I'd definitely say that as a simple "upgrade" item, a helical diff is by far your best option, the other thing with plate type diffs is that it often requires a special type of oil, they can be noisy and clunky and a little bit harder to get the best from. Other hand a helical diff is a fit and forget item, no special requirements, smooth operation, if a little slower to respond than a plate type... Either that you fit will most certainly show up any issues with suspension components however, so make sure you've got good, solid bushes all round.
Locking or plate type diffs (Kaaz, Gripper, Tran-X etc.) are far more hardcore, they are quite heavy handed in their operation and require a somewhat "balls to the wall" approach to get the best from them, of course, these diffs can lock and send power away from a completely airbone wheel to the one with grip... Sometimes that's absolutely what you want, but can be a little aggressive for an every day road car that is sometimes taken on track.
I'd definitely say that as a simple "upgrade" item, a helical diff is by far your best option, the other thing with plate type diffs is that it often requires a special type of oil, they can be noisy and clunky and a little bit harder to get the best from. Other hand a helical diff is a fit and forget item, no special requirements, smooth operation, if a little slower to respond than a plate type... Either that you fit will most certainly show up any issues with suspension components however, so make sure you've got good, solid bushes all round.