Quaife ATB on FWD T6 6-speed

[andrewburtenshaw]

Anybody have any experience of having a Quaife ATB limited slip differential fitted to an FWD T6? Mine's a 2018 150PS 6 speed Highline van with the 17" Devonports and a set of Agilis CrossClimates fitted. Stock T30 suspension.

I'm looking to achieve better traction on wet campsites, muddy tracks and on snowy roads up in the Scottish Highlands in winter, while also recognising that most of my driving is on normal roads, so I'm looking for a solution that will improve traction in those conditions without being difficult to live with for regular day to day driving.

This is the bit of kit I'm looking at: https://tsr-performance.com/quaife-...ferential-for-vw-transporter-6-speed-gearbox/

Have searched the forum and the only other post I saw was about a clutch solution.

 

[Paynewright]

I’d do some research outside of the T6 forum on how they operate and whether they will be suitable for mud plugging.

I have one in a Caterham 7 and I’ve always found it sure footed and it does stop one wheel spinning up like an open diff. They are (generally) maintenance free and just need the correct oil, usually the same as the diff/gearbox.

It operates differently to a Limited Slip Differential, which effectively locks up the diff when it slips, using pre-loaded friction plates. The ATB uses gears.

That said I can do doughnuts in the seven OK. One down side I’ve read about with the ATB (though perhaps not applicable here) is that on track days or when racing, if you lift a wheel, when it lands it can snap a drive shaft. In the caterham world ATBs tend to be fitted to road / occasional track cars. Racers and hard core track drivers use LSDs knowing they’ll need maintenance / rebuilds.

 

[andrewburtenshaw]

I’d do some research outside of the T6 forum on how they operate and whether they will be suitable for mud plugging.

I have one in a Caterham 7 and I’ve always found it sure footed and it does stop one wheel spinning up like an open diff. They are (generally) maintenance free and just need the correct oil, usually the same as the diff/gearbox.

It operates differently to a Limited Slip Differential, which effectively locks up the diff when it slips, using pre-loaded friction plates. The ATB uses gears.

That said I can do doughnuts in the seven OK. One down side I’ve read about with the ATB (though perhaps not applicable here) is that on track days or when racing, if you lift a wheel, when it lands it can snap a drive shaft. In the caterham world ATBs tend to be fitted to road / occasional track cars. Racers and hard core track drivers use LSDs knowing they’ll need maintenance / rebuilds.

That’s good to know - thanks for a really useful reply! From looking at a diagram of one, it looks basically like a Torsen differential. Is that a fair comparison?

 

[yeha]

Got a Gripper plate diff in my mk1 Golf and an Mfactory atb style diff in my Arosa. The Arosa has always dug it's way out of whatever hole I've thrown it into. Very impressed.

 

[andrewburtenshaw]

Got a Gripper plate diff in my mk1 Golf and an Mfactory atb style diff in my Arosa. The Arosa has always dug it's way out of whatever hole I've thrown it into. Very impressed.

Thanks! That's really helpful! Is the Mfactory diff basically a fit and forget bit of kit? Are there any trade offs or negative side effects you've experienced or are aware of?

 

[yeha]

The diff itself is broadly fit and forget. There's nothing to wear, it's just an open diff with higher friction due to the gear style. Use a decent oil. Maybe a bit faster wear of the outer CV. You notice the difference leaving a wet junction. Where you used to wheelspin and sit still, afterwards you wheelspin and leave like it's dry. Worth getting rid of any traction control system. Your rightfoot is the better judge.