Technical > Tech
Auburn Gear’s ECTED
by Newt A. Stafford
photography by the Manufacturer
ECTED™, pronounced ek-ted. and stands for Electronically Controlled Traction Enhancing Differential. It allows a user to flip a switch to either limited slip or locker mode. When selected “off”, the ECTED functions as a limited slip differential for street use, and when selected “on”, it functions as a full locker/spool and ideal for off-roading.
The ECTED combines 40 years of Auburn Gear differential experience and state-of-the-art design concepts to provide off-roaders with a differential to meet all of their performance needs. It’s made from a 9310 heat-treated aircraft quality gear material, making it “as tough as nails”. The design is also quiet - so one can say goodbye to the usual noisy lockers. It can be switched on the fly at any speed, while most selectable traction devices must be engaged under 5 mph. There are no mechanical style pins or forks that have to engage for full lock that can be prone to failure. Installation is as easy as a standard differential setup - just need to drill a hole, run wire and mount the switch.
When “off”, the clutch pack (see #7) located behind the side gear provides the limited slip mode. The side gear separating forces increases as torque increases to the axle; the clutch pack which is coupled to the side gear (see #6) and differential case (#10) is compressed providing the limited slip mode. There are 13 clutching surfaces — so this is considered a “performance” limited slip differential.
When “on” five amps of current is sent to the electromagnetic coil (#8). The coil then initiates the magnetic circuit and pulls the pilot clutch (#1) into engagement with the differential case (#10). This frictional resistance between the pilot clutch and differential case forces the balls (#2) to ride up a ramp machined into the backside of the side gear (#3). The radial travel of these balls also triggers lateral movement of the side gear into engagement with the center block (#4). The center block transmits the force to the opposite side gear (#6) and the side gear compresses the clutch pack (#7), which provides the full locker/spool mode. Did you follow all that?
ECTEDs are currently available in Ford 8.8” and GM 8.5” 10 Bolt axle set ups and the AMC 20, GM 12 Bolt and Dana 30 & 35 are in the works and coming soon.
Source: Auburn Gear • 400 E. Auburn Drive Auburn, IN 46706-3499 • www.auburngear.com
Ask about buying Auburn Gear’s ECTED from www.4wheelparts.com.