what is the difference between positrack and limited slip differentials?

Question

whats the difference and how do you tell a car has them?

Answer 1

They are both General Motors divisional words for what is basically the same thing. Chevrolet calls theirs "Positraction" and Oldsmobile calls theirs "Limited Slip" differentials. Ford & Chrysler uses different mechinisms to do the same thing and different words to describe the units. Think Chryslers use "Dana 60" rear ends. Some are called "anti-slip"
In GM there are what are called "10 bolt" and "12 bolt" rear end assemblies, the "12 bolt" being slightly heavier duty requiring a bigger "12 bolt" housing. The 'bolt' refers to the # of bolts that hold the rear end cover to the housing.
You can jack both rear wheels off the ground and turn one wheel. If the other wheel turns the same direction while turning one, it has what is called by GM, "Positraction". If one wheel turns the opposite direction, it is a standard (slipping) rear end unit.

Answer 2

Not really much, they both use clutches to "lock" the rear axle verses a mechanical locker that actually locks the rear axle by mechanical engagement of a "collar" (such as a Detroit Locker). Positrack and limited slip are more names given by the manufactures but they are the same thing and they tend to work much quietier and engage more gently than a true locker.

Answer 3

limited slip - if one tire slips, it transfers power to the other.
positrack - i believe that keeps both drive wheels rotating at the same speed all the time
you would have to check with the dealership/manufacturer about which car has what

dont quote me, but i think thats right

Answer 4

They are essentially two names for the same thing. On a normal car if your wheel starts to spin it will keep spinning. With limited slip or positraction there are extra pinion gears and clutch mechanisms which come into play when one wheel slips, they force some of the torque to the non-slipping wheel, this evens out your power and gives you better control in slippery conditions

Answer 5

If your car is newer than about 1990 (unless it's a high-end sports car ie: Ferrari, Lambo, Corvette< etc.) you do not have positrack... unfortunately it isn't fuel efficient... limited slip does kinda the same but mostly drives with one wheel...

Answer 6

one in the same thing, if you jack the back wheels off the ground and put the car in neutral and spin the rear tire by hand both tires will turn in the same direction if positraction or limited slip, if you turn the tire and one wheel turns and the other doesn't or goes the opposite direction of the one you are turning that means it's not positraction or limited slip.

Answer 7

no difference. jack up the rear of the car. put in neutral and spin the wheel on one side. if the wheel on the other side turns the same direction, has posi or limited slip. if the wheel on the other side turns the opposite direction, has a single track rear.

Answer 8

posi trac means both tires are powered all the time, but will make it more difficult to turn sharply limited slip means both tires can be powered but not until the primary tire slips just a part of a rotation

Answer 9

positrack is both rear wheels grab ,,,limit slip 1 wheel will spin 1st then grab all this is done in the rear-end

Answer 10

"Posi-Traction" is the General Motors' name for a limited slip, or locking differential. Ford calls theirs' "Traction-Lok". And Chrysler used to call theirs' "Sure Grip", once upon a time. But they all mean the same thing.