Hey guys.
I talked to the local 4wheel parts place today and he suggested that I go with a mini spool in my rear. I forgot to mention that I have the Limited Slip, but this guy is a serious Bronco guy, so I'm guessing he probably knew. Anyhow, I would have never thought twice about it but I just was at auburn gear's website and checked the specs on their mini spools and it said they are not useable with any type of limited slip diff. Has anyone out there done this install? Is it going to be an issue? I thought it would just go right in, but now I'm a little worried. Any suggestions are welcome, please!

Thank you all in advance.

 

I could be wrong, but I believe that the limited slip diffs had different carriers than the open diffs, and that you must have normal carrier to install a spool. Again, dont quote me on this because I'm not completely positive. Personaly, i would go with either an automatic locker like a detroit locker or a selectable one like the arb air lockers unless you plan on driving this vehicle exclusively off road. I have a friend with a spool, and he regrets buying it because its pretty bad on the road.


1985 Bronco XLT, 351HO 4bbl, C6, NP208 ,9" 3.55 limited slip, Warn Premium Hubs, Quad Front Shocks, Dual Flowmaster 50's, BFG 32x11.5 ATko's

 

Thanx for input. I only drive it to the trails, other than that, it is a garage dweller. Plus, I've read tons of message board postings and talked to a couple guys in my area that have used spools and been very happy with them. One of the guys owns a 4x4 place and he is very knowledgable, and seems to think that you get the same negative driving effects (for the most part) that you do with the locker. Either way, I probably drive it 500 miles a year on the road, and I really don't mind some losses of on-road performance when the gains will be so high for off-road.

 

 

this is what i am planning to do. (when i get the time & money) i'm
putting an air locker in the rear, & a standard locker in the front
along with manual hubs. this will give me the best preformance off &
on road. whn i'm on road front hubs unlocked, rear diff. unlocked it
will preform just like it does with the limited slip that is in there now. off road front hubs locked & rear air diff locked, it will preform like a true all wheel drive.
i could go with a mini spool up front, but i'd prefer a locker(just my preferance) however since i also drive alot on pavement, i want a selectiable diff in the rear.
i still havent decided on what brands of equipment to install yet,
however ABR makes a good selectable locker with a complete kit avaliable (compressor, hardware, switch etc.the compressor can also be ordered with adapters to air up tires.)
my best advice to you is determine how you drive, what you want out of your bronco & research the equipment you want, there is alot out there. also pick up the latest issue of FOUR WHEELER mag. it has a very informative article about diff's( from limited slip to mini spools) very informative.

1994 bronco xlt 4" rancho lift, 33x12.5x15 bfg a/t's on 15x10 eagle alloy's

 

I've got that mag, I've done the research, I'm looking for people who have done the spool in a 9 inch rear. Thanks for presenting your future plans, but your not really helping me unless you know the details about the work I'm planning. Oh, and I think the company you ar looking for is ARB not ABR. Thanks anyway.

81 Bronco, 351M, Hedman Hedders, 6" Superlift, 33"s

 

sorry, just tring to help.:-(

 

No problem. I wasn't trying to be rude, I am just running low on time, and need helpful advice, and usually these message boards really provide that. I did get my Petersens 4wheel and off-road yesterday, and it has an article that defines all the different terms that are contained in the differential. It is pretty helpful, and I would recomend the read to anyone who is interested.