Two-mode passive limited slip differential

A drive axle and limited slip differential assembly for distributing drive torque to wheels of a vehicle, comprising:

• an axle housing;
• first and second axle shafts rotatably supported in the axle housing, each axle shaft adapted to transfer torque to one of the vehicle wheels;
• a differential gear assembly including first and second output gears in constant meshed engagement with a pinion gear, each of the gears being rotatably positioned within a carrier housing, the first output gear being fixed for rotation with the first axle shaft, the second output gear being axially moveable and fixed for rotation with the second axle shaft;
• a clutch actuator including a rotatable first member and a second member axially moveable in response to rotation of the first member;
• a primary clutch drivingly interconnecting the second axle shaft and the first member of the actuator, the primary clutch including an apply plate coupled to the second output gear such that an axial force acting on the second output gear during torque transmission through the differential gear assembly is transferred to the primary clutch via the apply plate;
• and
• a secondary clutch drivingly interconnecting the second axle shaft and the carrier housing, the second member of the actuator providing an apply force to the secondary clutch, wherein actuation of the primary and secondary clutches occurs passively.