Locker vs. Spool?
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 429
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From: Lima, OH
Locker vs. Spool?
I recently read in Peterson's 4Wheel & OffRoad that they replaced a Locker with a spool (rear axle only) and had good success with it both on and off road. Has anyone else done this, and are there any possible problems that this could cause?
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 966
Likes: 2
From: Crooked River Ranch, OR
Locker vs. Spool?
If your going to use a spool on pavement...I would only use it for two things...1. Drag racing only 2. Trailer your truck were ever you go! 
Damage for use on pavement could include driveline failure, increased tire wear, and not being able to make a tight turn.
Damage for use on pavement could include driveline failure, increased tire wear, and not being able to make a tight turn.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
From: Greenville USA
Locker vs. Spool?
I had an Audi with the rear diff lock stuck for a while. It would drive down the road, and you could go around both corners, but it sure felt like something was going to snap in half at any time. I was afraid to drive it faster than about 30, fearing the consequences when the axleshaft snapped in half. Fortunatly I figured out the vacuum unit was leaking on the return to normal side of the servo, so I just had to crawl under the car and manually pull it out of lock whenever I stuck it in (which wasn't very often as the car was totalled just 5 months after I got it.)
fordmando
78 F-150 4x4 400 4 on floor
86 Nissan 300ZX
George
fordmando
78 F-150 4x4 400 4 on floor
86 Nissan 300ZX
George
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
From: Craig
Locker vs. Spool?
I have a Detroit locker in m 4Runner and it works good on and off road. The locker does increase tire wear, but the performance is great. I am running a spool in my Dodge, and it is very nice off-road (with the exception of breaking axle shafts) but it doesn't work the best on the highway. I have driven it on road, but the tires are already showing wear. I built the Dodge to drive off-road, with very little highway driving, so the spool is fine for my application. If it is your daily driver, then go with a locker.
Chris
cmercer@skylinecomm.com
http://www.mountaineers4x4.org/mercer
'82 F-350, '53 Dodge PU, '85 4Runner
Proud enough to stack hay, crazy enough to eat it.
Chris
cmercer@skylinecomm.com
http://www.mountaineers4x4.org/mercer
'82 F-350, '53 Dodge PU, '85 4Runner
Proud enough to stack hay, crazy enough to eat it.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 0
From: USA
Locker vs. Spool?
I am setting up my 1986 OFF-ROAD Only Ford Bronco with a Spool.
I am going with a Moser Engineering spool kit.
It includes 35 Spline Spool, 35 Spline Axles, Nodular Iron 3.250 9" Third member, Big Pinion support, and Big (1350) yokes...
All that for about $1000, waiting for my local distrubutor to get back to me on a package deal. Another $500 for gears and labor...
Essentially when I am done.. I will have a MAXIMUM 9" Rear end... able to handle 44's with no problem, though I am only putting 35" Swampers on there..
Uzi... Yamaha Sleds, Honda Bikes, and Ford Trucks....
I am going with a Moser Engineering spool kit.
It includes 35 Spline Spool, 35 Spline Axles, Nodular Iron 3.250 9" Third member, Big Pinion support, and Big (1350) yokes...
All that for about $1000, waiting for my local distrubutor to get back to me on a package deal. Another $500 for gears and labor...
Essentially when I am done.. I will have a MAXIMUM 9" Rear end... able to handle 44's with no problem, though I am only putting 35" Swampers on there..
Uzi... Yamaha Sleds, Honda Bikes, and Ford Trucks....
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
From: Craig
Locker vs. Spool?
I am running a Moser mini-spool in a stock GM 12 bolt carrier. I am running stock axle shafts and 36" Swampers. Only cost me about $130.
Chris
cmercer@skylinecomm.com
http://www.mountaineers4x4.org/mercer
'82 F-350, '53 Dodge PU, '85 4Runner
Proud enough to stack hay, crazy enough to eat it.
Chris
cmercer@skylinecomm.com
http://www.mountaineers4x4.org/mercer
'82 F-350, '53 Dodge PU, '85 4Runner
Proud enough to stack hay, crazy enough to eat it.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
From: Craig
Locker vs. Spool?
[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 20-Dec-00 AT 07:12 PM (EST)[/font][p]HARD. I built it to rockcrawl. It has been on numerous 7-8-9 trails as well as a few 10+ trails. It is a 53 Dodge with 1/2 ton Chevy running gear. 36" Swampers, lockers F&R, 350/465/205 combo, and ~3" of lift.
http://www.pirate4x4.com/ubb/uploads/cmindy5.jpg
Chris
cmercer@skylinecomm.com
http://www.mountaineers4x4.org/mercer
'82 F-350, '53 Dodge PU, '85 4Runner
Proud enough to stack hay, crazy enough to eat it.
http://www.pirate4x4.com/ubb/uploads/cmindy5.jpg
Chris
cmercer@skylinecomm.com
http://www.mountaineers4x4.org/mercer
'82 F-350, '53 Dodge PU, '85 4Runner
Proud enough to stack hay, crazy enough to eat it.
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