Torsen

Torsen (full name Torsen traction) is a type of limited-slip differential used in automobiles.

It was invented by American Vernon Gleasman and manufactured by the Gleason Corporation. Torsen is a contraction of Torque-Sensing. TORSEN and TORSEN Traction are registered trademarks of JTEKT Torsen North America Inc (formerly Zexel Corporation, formerly Gleason Power Systems). All Torsen differentials have their origin in the Dual-Drive Differential that was invented and patented by Gleasman in 1958.

Torsen differentials can be used in one or more positions on a motor vehicle:

• center - used to apportion appropriate torque distribution between front and rear axles on an all-wheel drive vehicle.
• rear - used to apportion appropriate torque distribution between left and right sides in rear axles. This may be on either a rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicle.
• front - used to apportion appropriate torque distribution between left and right sides in front axles. This may be on either a front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicle.

A four-wheel-drive vehicle, for example, may use either one, two, or three Torsen differentials.