Spool...yes or no?
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Post Fiend
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,277
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From: St George, SC I-95
Spool...yes or no?
I have a 79 F150 with a 44/9" combo with 33' tires and I would like to make all four tires pull! This is a hunting/farm truck that sees about 50 miles highway miles per week. I am totally against a "lincoln locker" but I am on a tight budget. Detroit lockers run about $450 for the 9" and about the same for a good locking diff for the Dana 44. Would any of you suggest using a spool? They are much cheaper but I dont know anything about them. I have been told dont install them on a daily driver, but like I said I dont go anywhere in the truck. Mostly dirtroads or around fields. I have considered a spool front and rear. I know it will be tough to turn when the truck is in 4wd but its a compromise I may have to take. Also whats the difference in a spool and a mini-spool? thanks for the help.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,959
Likes: 9
From: USA
The full spool replaces the whole case, I think a mini spool just replaces the spider gears. Since you're using mostly on dirt, I don't see much problem with using spools in it, but your tires will likely wear out real quick if your driving it on pavement much. For a less expensive locking diff, check out the Powertrax LockRight. www.powertrax.com Mine was $325 for a 10.25" axle. I think the Detroit EZ Locker is less than a regular Detroit Locker too. www.tractech.com Both the LockRight and the EZ Locker use the stock case. Regular Detroit replaces the case. www.reiderracing.com has spools and lockers to check out too.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 9,359
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From: Hampstead, NC
For the best bang for the buck, a mini spool is the way to go. They can be had for under $50, even cheaper on Ebay, and can be installed in around 1 hour with common hand tools. For the front, either a LockRight or EZ Locker will fit the bill there.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 650
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definitely do it for the rear but pass on the front- two bits of advice-1 get a GOOD minispool-not the $15 cheesy ones- Auburn makes a good hefty mini for about $60 2-spool is hard on axleshafts so try to avoid carrying heavy loads or trailers.
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Post Fiend
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,277
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From: St George, SC I-95
thanks wyld,
another question. I understand that a full spool replaces everything and a mini only replaces the spider gears, but is one better than the other? Is price and replacement of original equipment the only big difference?
another question. I understand that a full spool replaces everything and a mini only replaces the spider gears, but is one better than the other? Is price and replacement of original equipment the only big difference?
