To spool or not to spool
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New User
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To spool or not to spool
I want to replace the open diff on the front D44 with a spool. I know that it is not a good idea because of turning problems, but if you have manual locking hubs why can't you just lock in only one side for mild wheeling. I have heard of this before, but not first hand. Any help would be appreciated.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
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From: Central Florida
I guess it could work, but it would be a pain to unlock the one you need to make each turn. That is unless you drive in circles. Your better off leaving it alone and installing a LS or locker in the rear.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
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From: Kingsport, TN
IF it is strictly OFF-ROAD, a locker will work (or weld it). For daily driving an LSD will keep the rubber on the tread. Looked into the Ected locker (LSD then locked with the flip of a switch) ? Personally - I like an LSD best > less fuss.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
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I run a Detroit in both the front and rear of mine, the only time it becomes a major issue, is when I hit good traction, and try to turn. At that point, I just disengage the front end. You will be really suprised how well a truck will do with a rear locker. You will go places in 2wd that you never thought possible. For mild to difficult trails, and mud, consider a selectable locker for the rear, and leave the front alone. This will give you increased off-road capabilities, as well as great on-road manners, without the hassle of torque steer worries. ( I am assuming that the rear is open, or LS.)
Btw, a mini spool is super cheap, and will not require the removal of the carrier. Also expect to start breaking your 44 with any locker up front if you are runnin a tire 35" or bigger. At least with an open diff, energy has a place to go, (the tire with the least amount of traction). After the locker, the truck either goes foward, spins the tires, or breaks. Just a little food for thought.
Btw, a mini spool is super cheap, and will not require the removal of the carrier. Also expect to start breaking your 44 with any locker up front if you are runnin a tire 35" or bigger. At least with an open diff, energy has a place to go, (the tire with the least amount of traction). After the locker, the truck either goes foward, spins the tires, or breaks. Just a little food for thought.
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Thanks for the info. I am changing the gears from 3.55 to 4.10. I have already done the rear wich has a detroit locker. (Very satisfied with the swap by the way.) I just haven't had the time to do the front yet. I figure if the spider gears are in good condition I should probably leave it alone. I don't think I can afford a LSD right now but I'll check around ebay.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
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From: Kingsport, TN
Sounds like a good setup. Years ago, I inherited an early '61 IH Travelall w/ a LSD in the rear. A year later I changed it to a 4x4 w/ a LSD in the front. I went places that some 4x4's were having trouble > mostly mud and deep snow in Oregon Cascades. That may be why I'm partial to an LSD on both ends. The body weight had an advantage at times too.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Louisiana
The spool for a D44 would run you around $150-200, and is always turning both tires when hubs are engaged making turning hard, and bad on your powersteering.
For what you want to do, yes one hub locked will work, and if things are bad, then lock the other hub.
I put a aussie locker in my front D44 and got if off of ebay for about $180 which is about the price of a spool, and I love it. I works really well, it's just like the lock rite, but cheaper and stronger.
For what you want to do, yes one hub locked will work, and if things are bad, then lock the other hub.
I put a aussie locker in my front D44 and got if off of ebay for about $180 which is about the price of a spool, and I love it. I works really well, it's just like the lock rite, but cheaper and stronger.
