Why do wheels turn easier forward than reverse?

[rich006]

I was testing my axle flange runout today to troubleshoot a vibration. My measurements are posted here and I'd like feedback in that thread on whether the axles are OK or not. But I created a new thread here because I noticed something unrelated to the vibration: with the transmission in neutral, it's much easier to rotate the wheels forward than reverse. I don't know anything about transmissions. Is this normal? Why does it happen?

It's a 904 trans and the diff is a 8.25 sure-grip with 2.71 gears.

 

[Bodyperson]

I am speculating.. but I can see drum brake drag emulating this condition.

 

[RustyRatRod]

It is how the rear end gears are cut. They are cut directionally to run in forward rotation. Reverse is turning against how the gears are cut, so it is naturally more difficult.

 

[rich006]

The drums were off when I was doing this, so it's definitely not the brakes.

 

[draginmopars]

You are turning against the sprag in the trans

 

[fishy68]

You are turning against the sprag in the trans

Exactly

 

[AlV]

Thanks For asking this.... I was wondering the same thing.

 

[TrailBeast]

Exactly

As I was reading the post I was wondering if anyone was going to get that one.
Figures it'd be you.

 

[fishy68]

As I was reading the post I was wondering if anyone was going to get that one.
Figures it'd be you.

Actually Draginmopars gets the credit

 

[TrailBeast]

Actually Draginmopars gets the credit

Ah, your right. Duh

Well apparently the question would have gotten answered by someone.

 

[AJ/FormS]

Lotsa times you can actually hear the rollers screaching