What is a welded differential?

It is an open differential with its spider and side gears welded together. Both rear wheels always turn at the same speed, as if there were no differential.

What is welding the differential for?

So the rear axle breaks traction evenly and the car can slide and hold its angle. It is the cheapest way to lock the differential for drifting.

Which is better for drifting, welded or limited-slip?

For a track-only car on a tight budget, a welded diff does the job. If the car is also driven on the street, or you want a lock you can adjust and repair, a clutch-type LSD is the better choice: 1.5-way for mixed use, 2-way for serious drifting.

Can you drive on the street with a welded differential?

The car drives, but it chirps and scrubs tyres in slow turns, wears tyres faster and gets trickier in the wet. If the car is road-registered in Argentina, ask your VTV inspection station before modifying it.

How much does welding the differential cost?

It depends on the workshop. The only published figure we found is old: 80 to 100 USD (≈ $134.400 to $168.000 ARS) according to AGR Competición in April 2020. Ask a machinist or workshop for a current quote.

What differential does the school car have?

The TROMPO BMW E36 328i has a limited-slip diff (LSD). You drive it yourself at El Picódromo, with the instructor beside you.

Oct 3, 20261 min read

Welded vs limited-slip differential: which for drift

By Dmitrii McCarthy

Welded vs limited-slip differential: which one for drift

This article is available in Spanish. Quick summary: a welded diff is an open differential with its internal gears welded together, so both rear wheels always turn at the same speed. It is the cheapest way to lock the axle for drifting, but it scrubs tyres in slow turns, gets twitchy in the wet and loads the axles. A limited-slip differential (LSD) limits the speed difference without removing it: a 1-way locks only on throttle, a 1.5-way locks hard on throttle and partly off it, and a 2-way locks the same both ways, which is why it is a common pick for serious drifting. The Spanish version adds Torsen, viscous and spool units, Argentine examples (Peugeot 504, F100 Dana 44, BMW E36 188 mm case) and prices with their dates.

Read the full guide in the Spanish version.

Frequently asked questions

What is a welded differential?: It is an open differential with its spider and side gears welded together. Both rear wheels always turn at the same speed, as if there were no differential.
What is welding the differential for?: So the rear axle breaks traction evenly and the car can slide and hold its angle. It is the cheapest way to lock the differential for drifting.
Which is better for drifting, welded or limited-slip?: For a track-only car on a tight budget, a welded diff does the job. If the car is also driven on the street, or you want a lock you can adjust and repair, a clutch-type LSD is the better choice: 1.5-way for mixed use, 2-way for serious drifting.
Can you drive on the street with a welded differential?: The car drives, but it chirps and scrubs tyres in slow turns, wears tyres faster and gets trickier in the wet. If the car is road-registered in Argentina, ask your VTV inspection station before modifying it.
How much does welding the differential cost?: It depends on the workshop. The only published figure we found is old: 80 to 100 USD (≈ $134.400 to $168.000 ARS) according to AGR Competición in April 2020. Ask a machinist or workshop for a current quote.
What differential does the school car have?: The TROMPO BMW E36 328i has a limited-slip diff (LSD). You drive it yourself at El Picódromo, with the instructor beside you.

Reading about it is one thing, driving it is another

Try it yourself: 30 min at the wheel, no experience needed. From 300 USD (≈504,000 ARS at the P2P dollar rate), Monday to Thursday. 1-on-1 instructor in a BMW E36 and a 50% deposit to book.

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