TCD (Torque-Coupling Differential) Rhino Racing / Team AD
April 13, 2026
I can finally say something about this product. We have had the opportunity to help with testing the newest offering from Rhino Racing and Team AD.
We are all familiar with the Rhino Racing CLSD which has been a game changer for RC Drift. Well, Rhino Racing is always working on new products, and this time around they have teamed up with Team AD to develop their latest differential, the TCD (Torque-Coupling Differential).
We here at Super-G (Team Super-G) have been fortunate enough to help in the testing of this diff. It has been in the works for close to a year or so. There is more that goes into making this diff work well than what appears on the surface, and it looks like they finally got it. Initially this was going to be a modification to existing gear differentials available on the market, but after a lot of trial and error, the realization was this needed to be it’s own new product to ensure correct operation. I am glad it went this way, because this is definitely a superior product than the original project started out to be.
How Does This Differ From the CLSD
As the name indicates, the TCD (Torque-Coupling Differential) relies on Torque to open or lock, where as the CLSD relies on the actual RPM of the differential itself to open or lock. To put it simply, the TCD relies on the amount of force that is applied to the wheels to do its thing. So at low speed or high speed, as soon as the amount of force (throttle) reaches the engagement point, it will lock the diff.
Ease of Adjustment
I think the TCD is one of the easiest to make adjustments to, this side of a Ball Diff. The TCD uses a single spring to adjust the engagement point. My latest test kit came with 2 springs, Soft and Hard. The final kit will come with 3, Soft, Medium, and Hard. Which works best will depends on the amount of traction your particular setup has, the track surface, tire compound, and driving style / preference.
New Design
I was pleased to see the TCD is supporting the drive cups with 2 bearings per side, ensuring proper alignment without any binding. The conventional single bearing per side has worked fine over the years, but this should prove to give smoother and more consistent performance instead of relying on the inner gear sliding on a thin stainless shim.
How Does It Perform
Immediately I was surprised at the increased stability. At first thought I wanted to say it was more consistent, but I realized it wasn’t that it is more consistent, but rather it is functioning differently. With the CLSD, as long as the speed is up, the diff is locked. With the TCD, as soon as you ease off the throttle, the diff opens (more traction), regardless of wheel speed. This means you can have a locked diff at low speed and low throttle (or heavy), and at the same time at high speed and heavy throttle (or light) This is the difference that is going to play heavily on driving style and preference. Many are realizing a noticeable increase in corner exit speed.
Overall Thoughts
Being someone who places a lot of importance on differentials, the TCD is an exciting addition to the line of available differentials. Being able to control when the diff will lock or open at any speed seems to have opened another level of control. Drivers with very precise throttle control will be able to take advantage of this setup, where as drivers that use the throttle as more of an on / off switch may feel there is no difference. I’m looking forward to seeing how this evolves. I feel this is only the beginning.
