Limited slip differential clutch pack

A limited slip differential comprising:

• a differential case supported for rotation about an axis, said case having an axially inner radially extending differential case thrust face;
• a pair of bevel side gears in said case provided at opposite ends thereof, said side gears being arranged for torque transmitting engagement with respective output shafts and being rotatable within said case about said axis, each of said side gears having a generally cylindrical hub surface coaxial with said axis, an engaging face extending radially outwardly from said hub surface and an axially outer annular side gear thrust face extending radially inwardly from said hub surface, said side gear thrust face corresponding to said differential case thrust face;
• a thrust washer interposed between said side gear thrust face and said differential case thrust face;
• a clutch pack associated with at least one of said side gears for frictionally connecting said side gear to said case, said clutch pack disposed adjacent to said engaging face, said clutch pack comprising at least one first member splined to rotate with the associated side gear, at least one second member keyed to rotate with said case and at least one Belleville spring resiliently pressing said first and second members into frictional engagement;
• an annular lock ring fixedly secured on said hub surface adjacent to said clutch pack for retaining thereof in a predetermined pre-loaded condition, and
• at least two bevel planet gears each meshing with both side gears and supported in said case for rotation about a planet gear axis perpendicular to said axis.

A limited slip differential comprising:

• a differential case supported for rotation about an axis, said case having an axially inner radially extending differential case thrust face;
• a pair of bevel side gears in said case provided at opposite ends thereof, said side gears being arranged for torque transmitting engagement with respective output shafts and being rotatable within said case about said axis, each of said side gears having a generally cylindrical hub surface coaxial with said axis and an engaging face extending radially outwardly from said hub surface;
• a clutch pack associated with at least one of said side gears for frictionally connecting said side gear to said case, said clutch pack disposed adjacent to said engaging face at one side and frictionally engaging said differential case thrust face at the other side, said clutch pack comprising at least one first member splined to rotate with the associated side gear, at least one second member keyed to rotate with said case and at least one Belleville spring resiliently pressing said first and second members into frictional engagement;
• an annular lock ring fixedly secured on said hub surface adjacent to said clutch pack for retaining thereof in a predetermined pre-loaded condition, and
• at least two bevel planet gears each meshing with both side gears and supported in said case for rotation about a planet gear axis perpendicular to said axis.