Differential Assembly: Description and Operation: Overview

Rear Drive Axle and Differential

OVERVIEW
The differential has two functions:
- to convert the 'angle of drive' through 90° and distribute drive, via the rear drive halfshafts, to the rear wheels.
- to compensate for differences in the rotational speeds of the vehicle's rear wheels during cornering.
Two types of differential are installed:
- an open differential on 5.0L V8 normally aspirated, 4.2L V8 naturally aspirated, 3.0L V6 petrol and 3.0L V6 diesel vehicles
- an electronic differential on 5.0L V8 SC (supercharger) vehicles.
Both types of differential are attached to the rear subframe at four mounting points. Each mounting point incorporates a rubber bush to reduce NVH (noise, vibration and harshness). The bushes in the forward mounting points are installed in the differential. The bushes in the rear mounting points are installed in the rear subframe.
The open differentials are almost identical in their design and differ only in the final drive ratio and a heavier input flange which is fitted to 3.0L V6 diesel vehicles. The final drive ratios for the open and the electronic differentials are as follows:
- 5.0L V8, 4.2L V8 naturally aspirated, 5.0L V8 SC (supercharger) and 3.0L V6 petrol engines - 3.31:1
- 3.0L V6 diesel engines - 2.73:1.