Originally Posted by
Tuner EM
The 12L4 instructions suggest only using 6 diff balls even though the spur has enough holes for 12. I've run CRC spurs with only 8 balls. I run stock and 19T can I use only 6 plain steel diff balls?
You certainly CAN run 6. I prefer to run as many as possible (12 in my case) because to get the "grip" you need (minimal slip) it requires less clamping force be applied to 12 balls as 6 (maybe half? I don't know the engineering here). Less clamping force generally means a smoother diff action and less pre-load on bearings. I'd also guess it would be easier on the diff balls themselves and diff rings, though that's more intuitive than well thought-out.