Kraton Does diff oil affect turning radius

[Ken Long]

I know, I know another damn diff oil question...

So I have recently bought a Kraton - just for a bit of fun blasting around grass sports fields. I am finding that although the turning circle is fine when going slow, when going fast it is as though the wheels are not turning enough for tighter turns. Blipping the throttle during a fast turn appears to even straighten it up, as opposed to losing the back end.

Am I correct in thinking I read somewhere that the grade of diff oil can affect this please?

The Kraton is still running the factory supplied oils - In fact I was going to check the levels and perhaps change them to what appears to be a common set-up of 60k/500k/30k (F/C/R).

I look forward to your thoughts.

 

[PrerunninF150]

While diff oil can have an effect I think this might have more to do with a weak stock steering servo on a high grip surface. Thicker fluids, particularly in the front is going to cause more push (understeer) off power coming into a turn and more bite, on power coming out of a turn.

 

[AIan]

It’s almost definitely the servo saver.. add 2-3 c clips to it like in this video

or check other videos on adding clips

 

[Xjeepguy]

Yeah, I did the extra stiff servo saver spring, and it made a huge difference, even with the stock servo.

 

[AIan]

Yup, probably can still use shims I’ve read even with stiffer spring.
but stiffer spring does help

 

[Xjeepguy]

Yup, probably can still use shims I’ve read even with stiffer spring.
but stiffer spring does help

So far it’s acceptable to me, might add a couple shims on the next maintenance breakdown.

 

[Ken Long]

It’s almost definitely the servo saver.. add 2-3 c clips to it like in this video

or check other videos on adding clips

Hi, Sorry unable to play this video.

 

[AIan]

Try this one

 

[jondilly1974]

Absolutely rear diff fluid is a huge factor in steering ability. The thicker you go, the more understeer you will have. The thinner the fluid, the more oversteer you will have. It is a fine balance and is a personal preference. If you feel like you are noticing understeer, try thinning it out a little bit and see if you prefer it that way. I personally like mine more open than others. I tend to run 20k tops in an open diff and under 10k in an LSD diff for bashing.

 

[AIan]

Wow thanks JD I re enjoyed that information, I never was explained it so simply before. I’m not the smartest person in the room, and diffs always confused me for some reason. but now I got it TY

 

[HeavyBag]

Chart is more aimed at tuning diffs for a track, but still useful info...

 

[Jerry-rigged]

Also, when you go very thick in the center diff, and you apply power, the front wheels will come off the ground, or at least unload a lot. If you front wheels have no traction, how can you turn?

 

[Ken Long]

Wow so much useful info - many thank folks.

 

[Xjeepguy]

So much useful info in this thread. I’m saving some of this stuff.