When it comes to differentials, two designs dominate the performance conversation: plate-style Limited Slip Differentials (LSDs) and Automatic Torque Biasing (ATB) units. ATBs use helical gears to deliver smooth, low-maintenance torque transfer that makes them ideal for daily driving. LSDs, however, employ clutches or plates to create a more aggressive lock-up, making them the preferred choice for racing, drifting, and any scenario where raw traction and tunability matter most.

In this article, we’ll set ATBs aside and dive deeper into the world of Limited Slip Differentials — exploring how they work, the different types available, and why they remain the go-to choice for serious performance and motorsport applications.
A standard differential allows wheels on the same axle to rotate at different speeds, which is crucial for smooth cornering. But there’s a problem: if one wheel loses grip, an open differential sends most of the torque to the path of least resistance, the slipping wheel, leaving the other almost powerless.
The Limited Slip Differential fixes this flaw. By introducing a mechanism that resists excessive speed differences between the wheels, it ensures that torque is still sent to the wheel with grip. Engineers describe this capability using the term bias ratio, which measures how much torque can be shifted from a slipping wheel to the one with traction.

Types of Limited Slip Differentials

There isn’t just one LSD type. Over decades of motorsport, manufacturers and engineers have developed multiple systems to suit different driving needs:

• Clutch / Plate LSDs

  These use stacks of friction plates or discs that engage under load. As torque builds, the plates resist differential motion, effectively “locking” the wheels together to a degree. Plate LSDs are the most tunable — racers can adjust preload, ramp angles, and friction materials to match disciplines like drifting, rally, or circuit racing.

• Viscous LSDs

  Instead of clutches, viscous LSDs rely on a fluid-filled chamber with interleaved plates. When one wheel spins faster, the fluid thickens (shear resistance) and transfers torque. While smooth in operation, viscous units are less responsive under sudden load changes and prone to overheating, which makes them less favored in hardcore racing.

• Helical / Gear-Based LSDs
  These use precisely cut gears to generate internal resistance and bias torque without clutches or fluid. While smoother and more durable than plate or viscous designs, they’re not as aggressive, and like ATBs, they struggle when one wheel is completely unloaded.

Why Limited Slip Differentials Dominate in Racing

For motorsport, control and predictability under extreme load matter more than comfort. Plate-style LSDs in particular dominate because:

• Aggressive lock-up: They deliver sharp response when traction breaks, keeping power flowing where it’s needed.
• Tunability: By adjusting preload springs, ramp angles, and plate configurations, teams can fine-tune how quickly and how strongly the diff engages.
• Consistency: Even when one wheel is nearly unloaded — common in drifting, rally stages, or curb-hopping on track — plate LSDs can still force torque across.

Discipline-specific advantages:

• Drifting: Predictable lock-up keeps both wheels spinning together.
• Circuit racing: Balanced engagement prevents inside wheelspin out of corners.
• Rally: Handles mixed surfaces like tarmac, gravel, and snow without hesitation.

While ATB differentials offer smoothness and simplicity for everyday drivers, LSDs remain the undisputed choice for motorsport. Their aggressive lock-up, adjustability, and consistency under pressure give racers the edge needed to put every ounce of engine power onto the track. Choosing an LSD means prioritizing performance over comfort — a trade-off that, in the world of racing, often makes the difference between fighting for grip and fighting for podiums.

Mitsubishi Differentials – Cards

MITSUBISHI

Mitsubishi Kotouč Gearboxes

Mitsubishi Evo VI–IX Front Limited Slip Differential

with case – reinforced case included

Mitsubishi Kotouč Gearboxes

Limited Slip Mitsubishi Evo VI–X Rear Differential

Mitsubishi Evo VI–X Rear Differential