38100 SET-HYPOID GEAR & PINION open type with differential gears visible Datsun 1200 uses H145 type differential |
By popular usage "diff" is also used to refer to these parts:
Gear Carrier Assembly ("diff head" or pumpkin or "center section"), including Ring and Pinion and the carrier these bolt to
Or, the entire Rear Axle Assembly including the housing, gears, axles etc.
Axle aka axle shaft (includes wheel bearing)
Gear Carrier aka "center" (not to be confused with "center section" which is the center with the gears installed)
38100 SET-HYPOID GEAR & PINION |
Spider gears: The smaller side gears are known as the "spider gears". These are the ones that actually allow a differential speed.
38423 SIDE GEARS 38427 PINION SHAFT 38425 PINION GEARS |
LSD: Limited-slip differential. Most designs use a spring-loaded clutch to prevent one wheel from spinning by itself. Instead, the LSD resists spinning but when traction is overcome, both wheels will spin.