Hey everyone, While fixing the rear brakes at my 1950 88 i was turning the wheels with a jacked up rear axle and both wheels spinned the same direction. Was a locked diff (or lsd) an option in 1950 or does it have to be an aftermarket / welded diff? Thanks, Michael Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Have someone hold one wheel still, if they can, while you rotate the other one. Also, as I recall, the wheels only reverse direction when the pinion shaft remains motionless for whatever reason..I.e. Trans is in gear or "Park" or internal friction of ring and pinion or trans exceeds that of the diff. Unless your Olds shows signs of being a Hot Rod in the past, I really doubt you have a locker, limited slip or welded diff.
For a long time those Olds rear ends were the hot ticket for drag racing,I had one in my 28A roadster/Ford Y-292 I built in 59. Check it out those are really strong,but like said already if it was ever a hotrod=could be.
"50 Olds differentials were not that strong. It's the later years '57 - ? that were used in dragsters.
There was never a posi made for the pre 57 olds rears...... Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Had a friend lock the other wheel while i was turning, it seems that i was wrong. Standard open differential, sorry for wasting your time Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Time wasn't wasted.....we are here because we enjoy the forum....besides you got your question answered.....
In case this comes up again... limited slip diffs were not offered on new cars until 1956 or 1957. I think the 56 Studebaker had the first. And, they were a very rare option until the muscle car days (late 60s - early 70s). So, if you find one in a non muscle car it is either a very rare optional extra or was added after the car was made. At first they were meant for guys with station wagons who lived at the end of a hilly, muddy road. They would get traction where others would spin in the mud or snow. Eventually the hot rodders got wise to them.
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