Differentials — Lockers, LSD & Open Diff Upgrades

What This Differential Collection Covers

A differential splits torque between driven wheels while allowing different wheel speeds through turns. This collection includes open-differential replacements, limited-slip units, lockers, and traction-focused upgrades for street, track, towing, and trail use.

Limited-slip and locking designs

Limited-slip differentials bias torque toward the wheel with more grip while preserving differential action. Lockers can mechanically couple both wheels for maximum traction in demanding off-road or low-traction conditions.

Street, Track, and Drag Racing Use

For performance street cars and road-course builds, a helical or clutch-type LSD can improve corner-exit traction and predictability. Drag applications may prioritize a durable locking or spool-oriented setup based on vehicle use.

Match the driving goal

Choose the differential behavior around daily driving, tire type, power level, road surface, and driving style. A unit designed for hard trail use can feel different from one optimized for smooth pavement.

Off-Road and Truck Traction

Trucks and Jeeps benefit from lockers that keep both wheels pulling through uneven terrain. Selectable air or electronic lockers provide control over when the axle locks, while automatic lockers prioritize simple mechanical engagement.

Axle and carrier identification

Dana model, ring-gear size, axle spline count, carrier break, and gear ratio range all affect differential fitment. Identify the axle with its tag, casting, or manufacturer data before ordering.

Installation Parts and Final Drive Setup

A differential installation normally requires bearings, races, seals, shims, a gear-pattern setup, and correct backlash. When changing final drive gears, pinion depth and contact pattern are critical.

Professional setup matters

Differential setup requires precision measuring tools and experience. Incorrect preload, backlash, or gear contact can cause noise, heat, and rapid gear damage.

Complete Drivetrain Compatibility

Differentials work with axle shafts, hubs, driveshafts, transfer cases, transmissions, and final drive gears. Confirm the torque capacity and spline interfaces of every related component.

Plan the whole build

A traction upgrade can move stress to another part of the drivetrain. Consider axles, U-joints or CVs, gear ratio, tires, and transmission tuning when planning a high-output build.

Top Differentials Brands

• OS Giken. Multi-plate Super Lock limited-slip differentials for street and track
• Eaton. Truetrac and ELocker traction solutions for cars, trucks, and off-road builds
• ARB. Selectable Air Locker systems for Jeep and truck axles
• Yukon Gear and Axle. Lockers, gears, bearings, and axle hardware
• Detroit Locker. Automatic locking differentials for demanding traction use
• Motive Gear. Final drive gears and drivetrain components
• Auburn Gear. Limited-slip and traction differential systems
• Quaife. Helical limited-slip differentials for performance cars
• Wavetrac. Torque-biasing LSD technology for street and track
• Cusco. Japanese performance limited-slip differentials
• Kaaz. Clutch-type LSDs for motorsport-oriented import platforms
• MFactory. Helical LSDs and transmission upgrades
• Dana Spicer. Axle and drivetrain engineering
• Nitro Gear and Axle. Off-road gear and differential components
• G2 Axle and Gear. Jeep and truck drivetrain upgrades

How to Choose the Correct Differentials Part

• Identify the exact axle, differential housing, or transaxle before selecting a unit
• Confirm ring-gear diameter, carrier break, axle spline count, and gear ratio range
• Choose open, helical LSD, clutch LSD, automatic locker, selectable locker, or spool behavior for the vehicle use
• Match the torque rating to engine output, tires, vehicle weight, and driving conditions
• Verify compatibility with factory traction control, ABS, and electronic systems
• Plan axle shafts, bearings, seals, and install hardware as part of the job
• Confirm whether an air locker needs a compressor, lines, switch, and bulkhead fittings
• Use correct gear oil and friction modifier when required by the differential manufacturer
• Have ring-and-pinion setup performed with proper measurement tools
• Recheck fluid level and follow break-in instructions after installation

Common Questions

What does a differential do?

A differential sends power to the driven wheels while allowing them to rotate at different speeds in a turn. Its design has a major effect on traction.

What is a limited-slip differential?

A limited-slip differential limits the speed difference between driven wheels and biases torque toward the wheel with more available grip. It is common in performance street and track vehicles.

What is a locking differential?

A locking differential mechanically couples both axle outputs to improve traction when one wheel has little grip. Lockers are popular in off-road, towing, and some drag-race applications.

Is a helical LSD good for street driving?

Helical limited-slip differentials are often selected for street and track use because they bias torque smoothly without the engagement character of many lockers. Suitability depends on the application.

Do I need new gears with a differential upgrade?

Not always. A differential can often be installed with the existing compatible gears, but a gear change may be practical during the same service. Verify the carrier break and ratio range.

Can a differential affect traction control?

Yes. A different differential type can change wheel-speed behavior and how electronic traction systems respond. Check manufacturer notes for the specific vehicle.

Do lockers work on pavement?

Lockers can be used on pavement, but their driving behavior varies by design and may be less smooth in tight turns. Choose the unit around the intended vehicle use.

What parts are needed to install a differential?

Installation commonly uses bearings, races, seals, shims, setup tools, oil, and sometimes an install kit. The exact list depends on the axle and whether gears are changed.

Can I install a differential myself?

Differential setup requires precise measurement of preload, backlash, and gear contact pattern. Most enthusiasts should use an experienced drivetrain shop.

How do I confirm differential fitment?

Identify the axle or transaxle model, ring-gear size, spline count, gear ratio range, vehicle year, and drive position. Compare those details to the product listing before ordering.

Why Buy Differentials from Black Ops Auto Works

Black Ops Auto Works stocks 235 Differentials SKUs across enthusiast street, track, off-road, and engine-build applications with real fitment data, competitive pricing, and support from staff who build these vehicles themselves. Products are filterable by year, make, model, trim, engine, and drivetrain to confirm the correct application before ordering.

For focused shopping, browse our axles, axles and components, final drive gears, drivetrain, transmissions, and differentials and components.