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Fioroni's Tractive IV torque
reactive differentials are the most advanced differentials ever made for
1/8th off road vehicles and can be effectively used on buggies, truggies,
oval cars, and rally (GT) cars. Tractive IV differentials are the fourth
installment of 'torque sensing' differentials, following the international
title winning Japan, Hyper, and Storm Traction differentials.
Tractive IV differentials are a type of limited slip/torque sensing
differentials. They operate much the same as full scale Salisbury
differentials, but on a smaller scale, and perhaps arguably in more severe
conditions. The locking is enabled by internal ramps which act like a wedge,
with the throttle and brake torque being applied to it. The rate of lock is
in direct reaction and in direct proportion to the torque input- the more
torque, the harder it locks. The angles of the ramps can be changed with
optional parts to achieve various handling characteristics.
Compared to an 'open' or standard bevel gear differential commonly found in
off road buggies and trucks, Fioroni's differentials work quite differently,
both on and off throttle. While an open differential sends power to the
tire(s) with the least amount of resistance (think front inside truggy tire
ballooning coming out of a corner), the Tractive IV differentials balance
the power output more evenly. Instead of thickening differential fluids or
changing suspension settings to compensate for the loss of power, which
often results in an equally negative effect elsewhere on the track, you can
send more power to the wheels without a drastic change in overall handling.
By adding lock, the wheel with the least resistance is less likely to spin,
which means more power is being put down, resulting in faster acceleration.
Off throttle, the Tractive IV differential will act somewhat like an ABS
system (Anti Lock Brakes). Your car will be more stable under braking and if
you choose, you can increase the rear brake bias, often shortening brake
distance. With today's improved suspension geometry and constantly improving
tires, these differentials can be used effectively to lower your lap times.
Another direct result is longer tire life. The less your tires spin, the
longer they will last.
Fioroni's Tractive IV differentials are a powerful tuning option, not a
savior to a poorly assembled and incorrectly setup vehicle. It is
recommended to use the front differential first, followed by both the center
and rear. By using all 3 there will be a noticeable change to the handling
of the car as well as an obvious decrease in tire wear. The differentials
can be used on a variety of surfaces from loose dirt to clean pavement. Make
sure to try them in practice first and make chassis adjustments as needed
before using them in racing conditions.
The standard ramp angles are 120 for Front differentials, 80 for center
differentials, and 40 for rear differentials. Optional 60 and 100 degree
ramps are available for your tuning pleasure. For optimum performance, it is
recommended to clean and re-grease the differential after each weekend of
racing, with a maximum of 3 races in between cleaning and re-greasing.
Although not necessary, it is suggested to re-install the internal
components in the exact position, and allow a short break-in time for new or
freshly rebuilt differentials. Do not use any grease or oil except for the
one included with your differential and available as a spare part (TRC-020).
The differentials can be fully rebuilt and a full line of spare parts is
available.
Fioroni Tractive IV differentials, like all Fioroni product, are designed
and made in Italy using only the highest quality materials and process.
These diffs are made with metal construction instead of plastic and unlike
the plastic copies, they remain consistent over long runs. Beware of knockoff 'torsen' differentials. They often work poorly and are
made of sub par materials. Fioroni Option Team parts are tested and used by
IFMAR World Championship winning drivers. Available for the following cars and their compatibles: Associated RC8,
Hot Bodies D8, Mugen MBX6 and MBX5R, Losi 8, Kyosho MP9, GS CLX (part
numbers not listed) and XRAY 808.
For diff assembly instructions
click here.
Associated Center Differential
Shown in Photos, Spur/Conical Gears, Housing, and Outdrives Vary by Model.
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