1. Increased Bias Ratio – Improved Traction

The bias ratio of spring-preloaded limited-slip diffs varies significantly. As torque on the low traction wheel increases, the bias ratio decreases. For example, if we look at the bias ratio at the “Ice Line” (where the low traction wheel is on ice and its coefficient of friction = 0.1) the typical bias ratio will be approximately 4.5:1 up to 5.0:1.

As the low traction wheel gains traction the bias ratio will decline, delivering more traction to the lower traction wheel. For example, if the bias ratio is taken when the low-traction wheel experiences a .20 coefficient of friction, the bias ratio is only 3.0:1 to 3.5:1 (tire size and weight will also alter these values).

IMPORTANT – Average Bias Range with both axles on similar ground is 3.3:1 to 3.5:1.  However, when one of the tires encounters ice or snow, the bias ratio increases to 4.5 to 5.50:1. This means, the differential as a torque multiplier has the ability to transfer up to 5X the torque of the low traction wheel across the axle to maintain vehicle traction.

3. Hardened Gear Material Minimizes Wear

High strength hardened steel is used for all of the gears in all Grip-N-Loc® applications. This material minimizes wear, adding long-lasting durability to moving parts and increases driver confidence in extreme conditions.

4. Gear Tooth Design…Exclusive Cone Clutches

Grip-N-Loc® continues the Auburn Gear tradition of using Cone Clutches to drive axle shafts. In Grip-N-Loc® we have optimized gear design for greater impact strength and toughness, rather than focusing on the cost versus warranty equation. The unique geometry of our side gear and cone clutch assembly increases overall durability, providing greater impact strength and overall toughness. For the high performance driver this provides the ability to push more horsepower through the differential to the wheels, without risk.

6. New Cone Clutch Design for Increased Durability

The exclusive cone clutch design described above has been the heart of our differentials for many years. But Grip-N-Loc® cone clutches have been redesigned to provide increased durability.

Competitive testing showed Auburn diffs have very good retention of the torque bias characteristics. This testing was integral in driving us to change from a spiral (threaded) cone design to a new “grooved” cone design that has better wear resistance properties when forced to slip at higher speeds. A change in the cone angle takes further advantage of the improved wear characteristics resulting in an additional 25% increase in bias ratio for better performance.

These design changes address product durability and performance, allowing the bias ratio to remain consistent over the life of the vehicle. Features within the design improve oil flow and cooling of the differential to increase durability. These specific changes resulted in Auburn increasing the standard warranty to 2 years, which we believe to be the industries best warranty.*