Quote:
Originally posted by GraniteX:
Here is an animation of a standard (open) 2-spider differential. The vast majority of differentials in cars and small trucks are 2-spider. Open differential The spider gears are the red ones.
You just posted a link to what's considered a normal spider gear setup, w/ 4 spider gears... The side gears and the pinion gears are collectively known as the "spider gears," so far as I know. I guess I could be wrong on the nomenclature, but if that's the case, then somebody's going to have to explain what a "4 spider gear" case looks like, 'cause there's no room for 4 of 'em.

Here's a nice photo of an open Dana 30:



The side gears & the pinion gears are the spider gears. There's not enough space to put 2 more of 'em in there, and it wouldn't work if you took 2 of 'em out.