V6 stang open diff question

[gaboonviper85]

A coworker has a 96 v6 mustang...he swears up and down that the car is one wheel drive!!! I've tried to explain the function of an open diff but he doesn't get it.

He says when going forward the rear passenger tire spins but in reverse the drivers side spins...I tried to explain the path if least resistance concept to him but he don't get it. Also tried to explain that the direction of torque and weight has alot to do with it but yet he swears the car has some magic diff!

Does anybody have a website link that will explain why this happens for the non car guy sort of person?

The guy is a ducati mechanic so one wheel drive is stuck in his head I believe.

 

[gaboonviper85]

Please keep rude comments down as I plan on letting him read this....cars aren't his thing bit he thinks I'm wrong and I just want to show him the light.

 

[Sawbladz]

This should have been posted in the other cars section.

 

[mk3_supra]

www.howstuffworks.com

 

[DreamerTheresa]

This should have been posted in the other cars section.

:: sigh ::

 

[Poodles]

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential.htm

 

[Nick M]

The opposite wheel turns the other way because the gears inside are walking around the diff.

An open diff sends equal torque to both wheels. A limited slip sends unequal torque to the wheels. This is not debatable.

If it only takes 5 lbs of torque to turn a tire, say on ice, only 5 lbs of torque will be delivered to the opposite tire. Making the car not move. Path of least resistance. Both are being driven.