Diff Adjustment

What is the Diff Adjustments?

This one is pretty basic. Looser diff: low-traction tracks. Tighter diff: high-traction tracks. A tighter diff will allow more instant throttle response and greater acceleration.

How do you make Diff Adjustments?

All cars have their own adjustment rule. For the TC3, there is a set setting for the lightweight diffs to make sure they work at their best. As you tighten the diff bolt, make sure you tighten it down to where it is fully compressed, but DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN! This is extremely important. Once compressed, back it off 1/2 turn for the lightweight outdrive and 1/8 to 1/4 turn for the steel units - no more, no less. Run the car for a complete pack, and re-check the diff setting.

In off road, you want the diff as loose as possible with slipping. If you land off a jump and hear a 'barking' sound, your diff is too loose. You need to tighten it up slightly.

The Differentials are probably the most underrated performance parts of the car. Most people just build them and install them. If not done correctly, they can lead to dramatic handling problems which might make you chase down in other areas of the car. There are a couple things you can do to insure a great working diff. First off, get yourself some 600 grit sandpaper. Take the diff rings and run one side of them over the sandpaper until all the shinyness (is that a word?) is gone. You only need to lightly sand the rings to achieve this. The sanded side will go AGAINST the diff balls. Also, make sure you trim all the burrs off the plastic gears. Use the Associated White Grease on the diff balls ONLY! The thrust assembly uses the Black Grease only! And finally, follow the directions on collapsing the diff spring. This can REALLY mess up your diff setting if not done during buildup.