20/07/2009
In the exhilarating world of motorsport and high-performance vehicle customisation, every component plays a pivotal role in achieving optimal speed, handling, and durability. Among these critical elements, the differential stands out as a true engineering marvel, distributing power to the wheels and enabling smooth cornering. For enthusiasts and professional racers alike, the Winters Quick Change differential represents a pinnacle of innovation, offering unparalleled flexibility and robust performance. But what exactly is a Winters Quick Change, and what does it take to keep these sophisticated units running at their peak?
Understanding the Winters Quick Change Differential
At its core, a Winters Quick Change is a specialised type of differential designed to allow for rapid alterations of the final drive ratio. Unlike a conventional differential, which requires a complete disassembly to change the ring and pinion gears, a quick change unit features an external gear set that can be swapped out in minutes. This ingenious design is invaluable in racing environments, where track conditions, tyre choices, and driver preferences often necessitate immediate adjustments to the vehicle's gearing.
Winters, a name synonymous with high-quality drivetrain components, has engineered their quick change differentials, including their 'Permanent Mold independent quick changes', to be exceptionally robust. They are specifically touted as the strongest drift diffs on the market, built to withstand the immense stresses of high-horsepower applications and aggressive driving. This strength is crucial for disciplines like drifting, where sudden changes in traction and extreme loads are commonplace. The ability to quickly tailor the gear ratio means a driver can fine-tune their vehicle's acceleration and top speed characteristics for different sections of a circuit or varying race scenarios, providing a significant competitive edge.
The Unrivalled Advantage of a Winters Unit
Choosing a Winters Quick Change differential brings a multitude of advantages beyond just rapid gear changes. Their reputation for durability and precision engineering means that these units are not only versatile but also incredibly reliable. For serious motorsport competitors and high-performance car builders, this reliability translates into consistent performance and reduced downtime. The design allows for meticulous inspection of the easily accessible quick change gears, ensuring that potential issues are identified and addressed long before they become catastrophic failures.
Furthermore, the Winters Quick Change is designed with versatility in mind. While highly popular in drifting, they are also found in hot rods, Pro Touring cars, and various other racing applications where adaptability and strength are paramount. This widespread adoption underscores their effectiveness and the trust placed in the Winters brand by demanding users.
Essential Maintenance for Your Winters Quick Change
To ensure the longevity and continued high performance of your Winters Quick Change differential, diligent maintenance is absolutely critical. Neglecting proper care can lead to premature wear, reduced efficiency, and potentially costly failures. Here’s a detailed guide to keeping your unit in prime condition:
Gear Oil: The Lifeblood of Your Differential
The right gear oil is paramount for lubricating and protecting the intricate internal components of your differential. Winters recommends using a high-quality semi-synthetic 80-90 oil with Moly (such as Winters' High Performance Supreme Gear Oil by Schaeffer’s) or any high-quality full synthetic 75-90 gear oil. The molybdenum disulphide (Moly) additive provides superior film strength and reduces friction, which is vital in high-stress applications. Full synthetic oils offer excellent thermal stability and shear resistance, making them ideal for extreme operating temperatures.
How Much Oil Should I Use?
- 10-inch Full-Size Rear End: Fill until oil begins to seep out of the fill level plug located on the front of the right-side bell. This ensures the unit is adequately lubricated without overfilling, which can lead to excessive pressure and seal issues.
- 8-inch Ring & Pinion in a Full-Size Housing: Fill to approximately 1/2 inch below the large inspection plug on the rear right-hand side. This specific level is crucial for optimal lubrication and to prevent aeration of the oil.
How Often Should I Replace My Rear End Oil?
Winters recommends replacing your rear end oil every 5 races. In high-performance racing environments, the oil is subjected to extreme temperatures and shear forces, causing it to degrade rapidly. Frequent oil changes ensure that the lubrication properties remain effective, protecting the gears and bearings from wear and extending the lifespan of the differential.
Quick Change Gears: Inspect and Replace
The external quick change gears are designed for rapid swapping, but they are also subject to significant wear. Regular inspection is key to preventing unexpected failures.
How Often Should I Replace My Quick Change Gears?
In high horsepower racing applications, Winters recommends replacing your most-used quick change gears yearly. Even if they appear to be in good condition, the cumulative stress and wear can compromise their structural integrity over time. Proactive replacement prevents potential gear failure during critical moments on the track, which could lead to severe damage to the entire rear end assembly.
Ring & Pinion Care
Beyond the quick change gears, the internal ring and pinion set also requires attention.
How Often Should I Replace My R&P?
After every race, you should remove the inspection plug and thoroughly inspect the ring and pinion for signs of pitting and excessive wear on the pinion. Pitting indicates surface fatigue, while excessive wear suggests improper lubrication or alignment, both of which can lead to catastrophic failure if left unaddressed. Early detection allows for timely replacement or adjustment, safeguarding the differential.
Breather Systems: Crucial for Longevity
Proper venting of your differential is absolutely essential. As the differential operates, the oil heats up and expands, creating pressure inside the housing. Without a breather, this pressure can force oil past seals, leading to leaks and potential seal damage.
Do I Need to Run a Breather?
Yes, proper venting is important! Most rear ends have a breather provision in the top of the centre section. If not, you can drill and tap your bell for a breather. The best location is typically at 11 or 2 o’clock on the left side bell. If space is limited, always choose the highest location possible. For hot rods, Pro Touring cars/trucks, and Drift racers, Winters also offers Remote Breather & Oil Fill Tanks, which provide enhanced venting and simplify oil filling, especially in custom installations.
Comprehensive Rear End Overhaul
Beyond regular oil and gear changes, periodic comprehensive inspection and maintenance are vital for the entire rear end assembly.
How Often Should I Rebuild My Rear End?
In high horsepower applications, Winters recommends a thorough inspection and maintenance of your rear end every 20 races. This typically involves disassembling the unit, cleaning components, inspecting bearings, seals, and shafts, and replacing any parts showing signs of wear. In all other applications, you should break down, inspect, and maintenance your rear end seasonally. This proactive approach ensures all components are within specification and prevents minor issues from escalating.
How Often Should I Replace My Rear End Lower Shaft?
Winters recommends thoroughly inspecting your rear end after any extreme shock load. This includes hard impacts of any type, such as hitting a kerb or experiencing a significant jolt, as well as driveline lock-up or motor seizure. These events can impart immense stress on the lower shaft, potentially causing twisting or fatigue that isn't immediately visible but could lead to failure later.
How Often Should I Have My Track Star Differential Rebuilt?
For best performance, Winters recommends sending your Track Star differential back to them every year to be rebuilt to factory specifications. This ensures that the highly specialised components of the Track Star remain at their optimal performance level.
How Often Should I Replace the Springs in My Locker?
If your quick change unit incorporates a locker, Winters recommends replacing the springs every 600 to 800 laps. These springs are critical for the locker's operation and can fatigue over time, affecting its engagement and disengagement characteristics.
Setting Up Your Winters Quick Change
While the article focuses on maintenance, it's worth noting the ease of setup and adjustment that defines the quick change differential. Swapping out the external gears is a relatively straightforward process. Additionally, for units running helical gears in street-driven quick changes, specific shimming procedures are required to ensure correct operation and minimise wear. Proper setup, including correct gear mesh and bearing preload, is just as important as ongoing maintenance for the unit's longevity and efficiency.
Maintenance Schedule Summary
To help you keep track of crucial maintenance intervals for your Winters Quick Change and associated components, here's a handy summary:
| Component/Action | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rear End Oil Replacement | Every 5 races | Use high-quality semi-synthetic 80-90 (with Moly) or full synthetic 75-90. |
| Quick Change Gears Replacement | Yearly (high HP racing) | Replace most-used gears proactively. |
| Ring & Pinion Inspection | After every race | Check for pitting and excessive wear on the pinion. |
| Rear End Full Inspection/Maintenance | Every 20 races (high HP) / Seasonally (other) | Thorough inspection and maintenance. |
| Rear End Lower Shaft Inspection | After any extreme shock load | Includes hard impacts, driveline lock-up, motor seizure. |
| Track Star Differential Rebuild | Annually | Send back to Winters for factory specification rebuild. |
| Locker Springs Replacement | Every 600-800 laps | Crucial for locker engagement and disengagement. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some common questions regarding your Winters Quick Change differential:
Q: How often should I replace my rear end oil?
A: Winters recommends replacing your rear end oil every 5 races to ensure optimal lubrication and protection in high-performance applications.
Q: What type of oil should I use in my Winters Quick Change?
A: We recommend using a high-quality semi-synthetic 80-90 oil with Moly, such as Winters' High Performance Supreme Gear Oil by Schaeffer’s, or any high-quality full synthetic 75-90 gear oil.
Q: How much oil should I use in my differential?
A: For a 10-inch full-size rear end, fill until oil comes out the fill level plug on the front of the right side bell. For an 8-inch ring & pinion in a full-size housing, fill to 1/2 inch below the large inspection plug on the rear right-hand side.
Q: How often should I inspect or replace my Ring & Pinion (R&P)?
A: You should remove the inspection plug and inspect your R&P after every race, looking carefully for any signs of pitting and excessive wear on the pinion.
Q: How often should I replace my quick change gears?
A: In high horsepower racing applications, Winters recommends replacing your most-used quick change gears yearly to maintain peak performance and reliability.
Q: How often should I rebuild my rear end?
A: For high horsepower applications, a thorough inspection and maintenance of your rear end is recommended every 20 races. In all other applications, you should break down, inspect, and maintenance your rear end seasonally.
Q: Do I need to run a breather on my differential?
A: Yes, proper venting is very important! Most rear ends have a breather provision, or you can drill and tap your bell for one. Remote Breather & Oil Fill Tanks are also available for specific vehicle types.
Q: How often should I inspect my rear end lower shaft?
A: We recommend thoroughly inspecting your rear end after any extreme shock load, such as a hard impact or a driveline lock-up or motor seizure.
Q: How often should I have my Track Star differential rebuilt?
A: For best performance, we recommend sending your Track Star back to Winters every year to be rebuilt to factory specifications.
Q: How often should I replace the springs in my locker?
A: Winters recommends replacing the springs in your locker every 600 to 800 laps to ensure consistent and reliable operation.
Conclusion
The Winters Quick Change differential is an investment in ultimate control, adaptability, and high durability for your performance vehicle. Whether you're a dedicated drifter, a hot rod enthusiast, or a competitive racer, the ability to fine-tune your gearing rapidly, combined with the inherent strength of Winters engineering, provides a significant edge. However, this sophisticated piece of equipment demands careful attention and a rigorous maintenance schedule. By adhering to the recommended oil changes, inspections, and rebuild intervals, you can ensure your Winters Quick Change continues to deliver unparalleled performance and reliability, race after race, season after season. Prioritising these essential upkeep practices will protect your investment and keep you ahead of the competition.
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