[quote author=quantrill88 link=board=20;threadid=11300;start=0#107878 date=1045974858]<br>ive heard alot of people say to engage the e-brake about 2-3 clicks and then both tires will engage, im not sure if this helps or not, ive never noticed a difference.........anyone else?<br><br>[/quote]<br>Yes and no. It does help *sometimes* depending on traction differences L-R **AND** total overall traction available. One problem w/the Belleville friction plate type LSD (PowerLok, TractionLok etc) is that under extreme L-R traction differences, one axle will easily exceed the plate pre-load (static torque split), thus one tire spins helplessly. Applying a braking force to the wheels can cause enough torque to be transmitted through the differential side gears to cause sufficient dynamic clutch pack engagement to allow more even torque split (I.E., get BOTH wheels moving). These type LSDs are dependent on torque applied. In other words, the more extreme the L - R difference, the less effective. They work best in a limited range of conditions, locking hardest when both wheels have some traction and torque applied. The clutches lock harder with more applied torque (to a point), thus the enhancement with the e-brake application.<br><br>The E-brake trick works with an open diff too, although best w/a hand operated type. My old Plymouth Valiant would go just about anywhere w/a set of snowtires, and the occasional e-brake assist trick. <br><br>Some type diffs REQUIRE brake application to torque split properly (gear driven, non-clutch type). Back in our &quot;blizzard of '93&quot; (39&quot;, 24 hrs), the national guard was called out here. They promptly got their HumVees stuck big time. Took guys w/6 cyl Fords &amp; Toyota 4wds &amp; Jeeps to pull them out. Seems no one told the NG that the Hummers had F, R, &amp; center Gleason-Torsen diffs. They act like an open diff, until brake and throttle applied at same time to equal split torque. <br><br>Discovered the Dana80 LSD only has 2 of the 6 friction plates alternated w/discs. This reduces initial torque split (pre-load bias), but presumably makes for a better behaved differential. When I rebuilt mine, changed the arrangement to 4 alternating plates/discs. Does not help as much for dynamic traction as it does with static loads (one wheel on ice etc). Right after I bought my truck, I got it stuck in my driveway when I parked the right rear on an ice patch. Went out next morn to leave - truck wouldn't move. Just spun the right rear. Thought the LSD must've been shot, but wasn't. Just a trait of the Belleville type LSD's. My experience has been cone/clutch LSDs are much more effective and reliable (but not available for Dana80).<br><br>Photo attached of Dana80 PowerTrak LSD, taken w/carrier half removed.<br><br>BTW - spinning one tire excessively with a clutch type LSD **WILL** damage the fricition plates/discs. May not notice at first, but LSD action will progressively drop - and bearing wear will rapidly increase due to abrasive, burnt friction lining material being circulated in oil. Why it's important to check &amp; change diff oil regularly.<br><br>Just my .02...<br>Regards,<br>-Scott<br><br>ps - have found that if stuck in 4wd, try applying light braking (service brake) *and* turning steering L/R while still under light throttle will often split enough torque to slipping wheels to get out. Not always, but saved my butt more than once.