I'm putting a mini spool in my 9". I have 31 spline axles, does anybody know the bearing preload specs? Also, I need to know the specs for backlash, etc....I'm reusing my old bearings. My Pinion depth is already set, i didn't screw around with that. Would I have to set the coast? If there's anything i'm missing, please let me know.......I've never set up a diff. before, i had somebody do it for me last time. Also, would it be a good idea to pack the bearings with grease?

Thanks, Gord

 

I am in the exact same boat as you. I just bought a mini spool on ebay, and was getting ready to research the setup procedure. Someone on this site has a link to their web page that outlines the rebuild process of a rear end. I think it was a Dana but he has notes in there about the 9 in as well. I'll have to search for that again.

K.

 

It's in the "Tech Articles" section of this site and it's for a 9" not a Dana.

 

hmmmm this coulda helped me oout two weeks ago when i put my minispool in lol. oh well i had fun tryin to do it while my buddy talked me through it over the phone. oh well it all seems well i must have done something right.
byt the way guys i took my truck out last weekend for the first time with the mini spool and let me tell you what. that thing kicks butt. i went through stuff in 2 wheel drive that i had to do in 4 wheel drive. it helps out a lot and is pretty awsome seeing 2 huge rooster tails coming off the rear tires and shooting high and far enuff to get the truck behind me muddy!!!
'75 F-100 4x4, 4" lift
16x38.5x15 super swamper TSL
mini-spooled 9" rear end
390 w/ cam,headers,
and 4 barrell edelbrock

TRIED TRUE and FORD BLUE

 

what's a minispool?

 

A mini spool is basically a sleeve that replaces your spider gears in the differential. It locks the two axles together so both tires spin all the time.

K.

 

I FINALLY got my mini spool, cost me 93$ Canadian!!!!!!!!

**** me off cause they had it on sale in a catalogue for 51.95, oh well. Took me about 5 minutes to put it in, I didn't realize it was that simple. I ordered some new carrier bearings, they'll be in tomorrow and i'll set up the rest of the diff. on Monday, I cant' wait to try it out!

 

I just bought mine from ebay for $26, including shipping. Brand new in the box.

Anyone know how many different brands of mini-spools there are?

 

>A mini spool is basically a sleeve that replaces your spider
>gears in the differential. It locks the two axles together
>so both tires spin all the time.
>
>K.

So, how is that different or better than a detroit locker or traction-lok? Seems like this thing you're talking about would be hard on the rear/tires going around corners for regular street driving. Is this mainly for off-road use? Is it just a cheaper alternative to buying a traction-lok rear?

 

>So, how is that different or better than a detroit locker or
>traction-lok? Seems like this thing you're talking about
>would be hard on the rear/tires going around corners for
>regular street driving. Is this mainly for off-road use?
>Is it just a cheaper alternative to buying a traction-lok
>rear?

"Better" is a matter of opinion. "Better for what" is the question. This has been discussed several times in the 4x4 & Offroad section. Do a search there for more info. Here's what I learned from the wise and experienced people of this site. (someone please correct me if I'm wrong.)

A locker is installed the same way a mini-spool is. It is also a sleeve that locks the two axles together. However, if enough torque is applied, the locker will allow the axles to "slip" or spin at different speeds (like turning a corner on dry pavement). This would have less of an effect on tire wear than a mini-spool, but more that an open diff..

How much "additional" tire wear you get from a mini-spool over a locker depends greatly on your tires and driving habbits. One guy on this site claims to have had a spool in his truck for 3 years and says that tire wear is negligible. This is on his "daily driver" truck driven in the city.

A mini-spool is definately cheaper than a locker. About $50 vs. $300 +/- depending on the type of locker.

Hope this helps.

K.

 

> One guy on this site claims to have had a spool in
>his truck for 3 years and says that tire wear is negligible.
> This is on his "daily driver" truck driven in the city.
>
>A mini-spool is definately cheaper than a locker. About $50
>vs. $300 +/- depending on the type of locker.

Well, reason I ask is I haven't heard of this thing before, but was thinking it might be a cheap alternative to putting traction-lok in my 68 mustang, but that's for another board...