Gripper Multi-Plate Limited Slip Differential (LSD)

The Gripper Multi-Plate Limited Slip Differential is a performance-focused plate-type LSD designed to provide significantly greater control over how drive is distributed between the driven wheels.

Unlike a conventional open differential, the Gripper LSD uses a series of internal clutch plates, preload and configurable ramp angles to control differential action.

This allows the characteristics of the differential to be configured around the intended use of the vehicle, from performance road and track-day applications through to dedicated race and rally cars.

Key Features

• Multi-Plate / Clutch-Type Limited Slip Differential
• Configurable Ramp Angles
• Configurable Preload
• Progressive Differential Locking
• Improved Traction Under Acceleration
• Improved Power Delivery
• Greater Control of Inside-Wheel Spin
• Rebuildable & Serviceable Design
• Internal Specification Can Be Reconfigured
• Suitable for Road, Track, Race & Rally Applications
• Manufactured in Britain by Gripper Differentials

What Does a Limited Slip Differential Do?

A conventional open differential allows the driven wheels to rotate at different speeds, which is essential when cornering.

The disadvantage is that when one driven wheel loses traction, an open differential can allow that wheel to spin while comparatively little useful torque reaches the tyre with more available grip.

This becomes particularly noticeable on higher-powered front-wheel-drive vehicles, particularly when accelerating hard out of corners.

A Limited Slip Differential controls the amount of speed difference permitted between the driven wheels.

The Gripper plate LSD uses internal clutch plates to progressively resist excessive differential action, helping transfer usable drive through both driven wheels.

Potential benefits include:

• Improved Traction
• Reduced Inside-Wheel Spin
• Improved Corner Exit Performance
• More Effective Power Delivery
• Greater Control Under Hard Acceleration
• More Predictable Behaviour in Performance Driving

Multi-Plate Design

The Gripper LSD uses the well-established clutch plate differential principle.

Internally, a series of friction and driven plates form clutch packs within the differential.

As the differential operates, the internal ramp mechanism generates load through these clutch packs, progressively increasing resistance to the two driven wheels rotating independently.

This provides a mechanical and tunable method of controlling differential locking.

Ramp Angles

One of the major advantages of a plate-type LSD is the ability to alter its characteristics through the internal ramp configuration.

The ramp angles influence how aggressively the differential loads its clutch plates during acceleration and, depending on the configuration, during deceleration.

Changing the ramp configuration can therefore substantially change the behaviour of the differential.

A more aggressive setup may be desirable for a dedicated competition car, while a less aggressive configuration may provide more progressive behaviour for a road or track-day vehicle.

There is no single ramp configuration that is automatically best for every vehicle.

The correct setup depends on factors including:

• Vehicle Use
• Engine Power & Torque
• Tyre Type
• Suspension Setup
• Vehicle Weight
• Road, Track or Rally Use
• Driver Preference

Preload

Preload determines how much resistance to differential action exists before additional locking force is generated through the ramp mechanism.

Increasing or reducing preload can change how responsive the LSD feels and how freely the differential operates under lower loads.

Gripper units can be configured with different levels of preload to suit the intended application.

This provides another method of fine-tuning the behaviour of the differential rather than relying on a fixed one-size-fits-all setup.

Plate LSD Characteristics

A plate-type LSD is a more mechanical and performance-focused solution than an open differential.

Customers should therefore expect its behaviour to be different from a standard factory differential.

Depending on the ramp and preload configuration, characteristics can include:

• Increased Steering Feedback
• Greater Drivetrain Feedback
• Increased Steering Effort Under Power
• Differential Noise
• Clicking or Chatter at Low Speeds
• Increased Tyre Scrub During Tight Manoeuvres
• More Noticeable Drivetrain Behaviour During Acceleration & Deceleration

The severity of these characteristics depends heavily on the internal LSD configuration, vehicle setup and oil being used.

Some additional noise and drivetrain feedback can be a normal characteristic of a performance plate-type LSD and does not necessarily indicate a fault.

Particularly Beneficial for High-Power FWD Cars

A Limited Slip Differential can be one of the most significant drivetrain upgrades for a high-performance front-wheel-drive vehicle.

Increasing engine power is only useful if that power can actually be transmitted through the tyres.

During hard cornering, the inside front wheel becomes relatively unloaded. With an open differential, this can result in the inside wheel spinning and limiting acceleration out of the corner.

A correctly configured LSD helps control this speed difference and allows more of the available tyre grip to be utilised.

For turbocharged and competition vehicles, this can dramatically change how effectively the vehicle puts its power onto the road or circuit.

Rebuildable & Reconfigurable

One of the major advantages of the Gripper design is that the differential is serviceable and rebuildable.

The internal clutch plates are service components and can be inspected and replaced as required.

The internal setup can also be altered during servicing, allowing the preload and ramp configuration to be changed if the vehicle's use or specification changes.

This means the differential can evolve alongside the vehicle rather than necessarily requiring replacement with an entirely different LSD.

Correct LSD Oil Required

The correct lubricant must be used with a plate-type LSD.

Oil specification can have a significant effect on differential operation, plate behaviour, noise and service life.

Only oil suitable for the particular gearbox and Gripper LSD installation should be used.

Always follow the current Gripper recommendations for the specific differential and transmission application.

Professional Installation Required

Professional installation by a suitably experienced gearbox or transmission specialist is strongly recommended.

Installing an LSD requires considerably more care than simply replacing an external bolt-on component.

Depending on the gearbox or differential application, installation may require checking and correctly setting:

• Differential Bearings
• Bearing Preload
• Crownwheel / Final Drive
• Backlash
• Gear Engagement
• Oil Seals
• Fastener Torque
• Differential Clearances

Any worn bearings, seals or other transmission components should be replaced as necessary during installation.

Incorrect assembly or setup can result in premature differential or gearbox failure.

Running-In & Maintenance

The LSD should be installed, run-in and maintained in accordance with the current recommendations supplied by Gripper Differentials.

Plate-type LSDs contain friction components and should be considered a serviceable performance drivetrain component.

Vehicles used extensively for track, race or rally applications may require more frequent inspection and servicing than road-driven vehicles.

Warranty

Gripper Differentials currently offers a Lifetime Warranty, which requires the newly purchased LSD to be registered with Gripper to activate the warranty.

Warranty remains subject to Gripper Differentials' applicable warranty terms, conditions and registration requirements.

Incorrect installation, incorrect transmission setup, unsuitable lubricant, inadequate maintenance, accident damage, misuse or failure of surrounding gearbox or drivetrain components may not constitute a manufacturing defect.

Gripper Differentials is a third-party manufacturer. GizFab Motorsport Developments is an independent retailer and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Gripper Differentials or the vehicle manufacturer.