spool or locker

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jan 17, 2005 | 08:02 PM

DMAN

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 121

Likes: 0

spool or locker

I have an 84 f-250 6.9 diesel 4x4 that sucks with the limited slip. I'am always putting it in 4 wheel to drive were it shouldn't have any trouble. I would like to but a spool or a locker in it but not sure witch one. Whats the difference? What brand should I use? How do I tell what rear end I have? This truck is a daily driver work truck that plows snow. If I'am right about the difference a spool acts like a limited slip untill you hit the gas and then it locks both tires and a locker has to be engaged. If I'am right a spool would be the way to go. Thanks for the help.

Jan 17, 2005 | 08:05 PM

novadragman2005

Senior User

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 176

Likes: 0

From: G-burg area in PA

a spool locks the rear axle at all times, although cheaper, they will kill your tires, they are best used for drag racers and sprint cars, a locker can be unlocked for normal driving which will save ur tires and avoid the constant squeal of tires in turns, so i would recomend a locker, they are usually more expensive, but if ur turning big tires, ull save it back by replacing them less often

Jan 17, 2005 | 08:18 PM

Navistar444

Senior User

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 104

Likes: 0

I had a spool in my 9 inch with 33 inch mudders, and after 6 months i had tweaked the splines on the axles! This was running on the street too! lol. If u run street i would suggest an eaton cone style limited slip. Long life and positive torque to both wheels.

Jan 17, 2005 | 10:00 PM

proeliator

Post Fiend

Joined: Sep 2000

Posts: 8,238

Likes: 3

From: Oregon

A daily driver that also serves as a plow truck? You certainly don't want a spool. Even a detroit would be a handfull while you are plowing snow. I always figured the plow guys ran open but don't know for sure.

Jan 17, 2005 | 10:03 PM

deerhunter3814

Senior User

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 294

Likes: 0

From: Kentucky

I also agree not to put a spool in a daily street driver, it is like having a solid axle to both sides pulling all the time... I have a posi unit in my rear and a detriot locker in my front, I can turn sharp as it will turn and it is smooth, no jerking but when I nail it it locks both front tires and digs. It seems to work like a ratchet when turning, I love this set up.

Just my experince and opinion.

Good luck.
deerhunter3814

Jan 18, 2005 | 05:43 PM

FordPerf300

Posting Guru

Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 1,187

Likes: 0

From: CT

Traction has more to do with type of tire and weight than it does with wether or not both rear tires are spinning. If the tires are rated poorly in the snow, you'll have poor traction. Also, when you put a plow on a truck it forces the frontend downward which decreases the weight over the back tires. Put some sand in the rear and make sure your tires are good before looking at lockers, if anything..it just might be time to rebuild your LS.

Jan 18, 2005 | 07:42 PM

rebocardo

Post Fiend

Joined: Jun 2002

Posts: 13,873

Likes: 3

From: Atlanta GA

You do not want a locker (even worse a spool) while plowing, maybe a L/S in the back is okay. If you need more traction then get a selectable locker or ice/snow (*) rated tires. Personally, I like real snow tires with studs for plowing.

You simply need more weight over the rear wheels. You have at least 1200-1400 pounds of engine over your front axle, plus, a plow frame, and nothing over the rear wheels. So, of course you will have zero for traction because the rear axle only has about 30% of the vehicle's weight.

What I use to do is have a front end loader load up the bed with snow and slush. Then once the snow melted I did not have to drive around with a 1,000 pounds of sand in the back.

One trick we use to use is put a 4" tube bumper on the back frame (welded), capped at both ends and bung holes on the top and bottom both sides, and then fill the bumper with sand. When summer comes just flush the sand out with a hose. It can cause some handling problems if you are not careful. It beats having sand in the bed or blocks that can kill you in an accident (seen that before - not pretty).