Solid front diff

[Clive Apperley]

Any one have experience of Solid front diff in TC3?

[damo]

would this be the spool diff?? as i have a tc3 on the way that is coming with a spool diff as well as a one way and i am interested in the benefits of one over the other....

[Clive Apperley]

Yes,let us know how the handling differs with these option.
Are spools available in UK?

[damo]

i have no idea its coming from new zealand...an ebay special..lol...

[rc_jammer]

Yes they are available in the uk. IRS do one.

The difference the spool makes over a diff is more on power and mid corner steering but a reduction in off power steering. You can combat this with running less castor.

The one way does the same as a spool (solid axle) mid and exit corner but into a corner (off power) the back can feel very lively as only the rear wheels are braking.

All 3 drives have their merits at different tracks. You really need to try them at each track you go too to feel what best suits you. The normal diff however is best for indoor running

[damo]

so the solid front diff is fairly similar to how a one way handles but it allows the front end to brake as well?? or am i way off track here?

[rc_jammer]

Its the same mid and exit corner but completely opposite into a corner.

The solid lets you brake very hard and late as all wheels are braking, great for that last gasp overtaking effort
The one way makes the car spin very easily if brakes are used as only rear wheels are braking.

It really does depend on the track and driving style. Example

Tibshelf - Solid Axle is a definate
Snetterton - I used a one-way
West London - Stuck with a diff

Some people do tend to like one method. I know someone who only uses a solid outdoors and nothing else

[damo]

so the solid diff gives you the benefit of a one way as well as the benefits of a normal diff?? but they arent to good on a tight track or indoors??

[rc_jammer]

Well yes and no,

A solid has more mid and exit steering than a diff but not as much entry steering.

Here's a brief summary all compared to a diff:

Solid - More mid and exit steering - Less entry steering but better braking capabilities
Diff - Average mid snd exit steering - Average entry steering - Average braking capabilities
One-Way - More mid and exit steering (same as solid) - More unpredictable entry steering worse braking capabilities

Hope that explains it better (I dont seem to be making a very good job of this :-X)

[damo]

lol..
solid = one way with brakes
one way = normal diff with less brakes but more steering in general..

its ok im doing payroll as well and my head isnt quite as with it as normal...

[Robfo]

Why would a solid diff have more brakes than a properly adjusted normal diff?

[rc_jammer]

It doesn't have more brakes as such its just much more predictable.

With a solid the front wheels brake together and have no chance of rotating at different speeds therefore the car brakes in a straight line so you can brake later and harder.
A diff still can rotate at different speeds so under hard braking it can still catch you out

[damo]

i think it has more brakes than a one way....i have no clue as thats why i was asking...lol