High-Performance Differentials, Axles & Drivelines

Author: Joseph Palazzolo, ISBN: 9781934709023

• Match the drivetrain to any engine
• Select the best driveshaft, differantial & axle
• Install the optimal gear ratio for any application
• Rebuild limited-slip differentials 

A high-performance vehicle must have a high-performance driveline. All too often an owner builds an engine with monstrous horsepower, but the axle, differential, or driveline components cannot handle the increased torque. When the driver accelerates hard, the axle snaps or the rear end chunks. Whether it's a muscle car, sports car, or truck, a vehicle is only as strong as its weakest link, and the drivetrain must match the performance of the engine, tires, and suspension.

High-Performance Differentials, Axles, and Drivelines covers everything the enthusiast mechanic needs to know about selecting the most desirable gear ratio, rebuilding differentials and other driveline components, and—most importantly—matching the correct driveline components to engine power output. All the horsepower and torque in the world is useless unless you can transmit it to the pavement. This book shows you how to make the most of a vehicle's horsepower. It shows you how to set up a limited-slip differential, install high-performance axle shafts, swap out differential gears, and select the best available products for the driveline. It also reveals setups for the Chevy 12-bolt, Ford 9-inch, Dana units, and many other popular high-performance axles and rear ends. In addition, this book explains rear differential basics, rebuilding open differentials, ring and pinion gear operation. Axles, driveshafts, and U-joints are also discussed in detail. With this book in hand, you will be able to buy, install, maintain, and set up a drivetrain for almost any vehicle and application.

About the Author

Joe Palazzolo is currently a Chief Engineer - Geared Products at GKN Driveline Torque Technology Group where he manages the mechanical design and development of new automotive torque transfer devices, concepts, and integration into production applications. His resume includes employment at Ford, Magna Powertrain (formerly New Venture Gear), Warn Industries and GETRAG Corporation. His has also supported numerous race teams, building and maintaining his own motorsports and powersports vehicles. Joe is an ASE Certified Master Technician, holds a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Masters Degree specializing in Automotive Engineering. He has been a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) for over 18 years and active in developing SAE standards. He has been teaching Drivetrain seminars for over 10 years and a recipient of the Forest R. McFarland Award for distinction in professional development and education. He has received numerous patents for his innovative work and creativity in advancing vehicle mobility systems.