Abstract: A locking differential including a differential carrier or housing 1 closed by a flange cap 2 engaging locking gear 2A, the housing 1 and flange cap 2 supporting side gears 10 and 11 which mesh with pinion gears 12 supported by cross shafts 8 and 9, the cross shafts engaging mounting holes in the housing 1, each pinion gear having an even number of teeth, and each side gear having a number of teeth which is a multiple of two where two pinions are at 180° to each other, three where three pinion gears are at 120° to each other, four where three or four pinion gears are at 90° to each other, or five where five pinions are at 72° to each other, the locking means further including a clutch gear 5 which slidably engages the locking gear 2A and the teeth on side gear 10 in the locked position, the cross shafts 8 and 9 being in a fixed relationship to the locking gear 2A.

Abstract: A locking differential comprising a differential carrier1 housing a pair of bevel gears 2, 3 and at least one pinion gear 4 which meshes with the pair of bevel gears, a locking ring 6 positioned within the differential carrier1 between the carrier and one of the bevel gears and splined to the carrier 1 at 7 and 8, locking teeth 9 on the locking ring 6 and corresponding locking teeth 10 on the bevel gear 3, an annular cylinder 12 formed in the carrier 1 and receiving a piston 11 and seal 11 a, the piston 11 being integral with the locking ring whereby the charging of the cylinder 12 with compressed air causes the locking ring 6 to move into its locking position with the teeth 9 engaging the teeth 10 against the action of springs 13 to lock the differential. The locking ring is located within a shaped cover plate C which closes the differential carrier 1 and provides bearing support for the bevel gear 3.