mini spool
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 9,359
Likes: 1
From: Hampstead, NC
mini spool
A mini spool is a cheap way to lock your axles together. It replaces the spider gears in a differential with a splined "spool" that locks the rear (or front) axles together. They are easy to install and are not too expensive. Many people wouldn't run one on the street, but I've done so for a couple years without trouble.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 632
Likes: 0
From: State College, Tunkhannoc
mini spool
to all you guys that are running spools on the street, is it manageable to drive on the highway at about 70 miles an hour without too much trouble? im assuming it just involves getting a feel for it? do you just have to slow down going around corners and your pretty much fine? i know they arent reccomended but recommendations aren't made to be followed.
chris
chris
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 718
Likes: 0
From: Golden ,CO USA
mini spool
my spool does just fine on the street. it gets a little squirly on wet pavement. i havent had it in snow or ice yet seems i just put it in last spring. it takes a little bit of getting used to because the truck alwasy wants to go in a straight line. but all of it is worth it on the trail. you will be able to do stuff in 2 wheel drive that you had to use 4x4 for in the past. so i guess if you arent carefull you might get more stuck. but hey, thats half the fun of wheelin.
'75 F-100 4x4, 4" lift
35x15.5x15 super swamper TSL/SX
mini-spooled 9" rear end
390 w/ cam,headers,
and 4 barrell edelbrock
TRIED TRUE and FORD BLUE
'75 F-100 4x4, 4" lift
35x15.5x15 super swamper TSL/SX
mini-spooled 9" rear end
390 w/ cam,headers,
and 4 barrell edelbrock
TRIED TRUE and FORD BLUE
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 523
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
mini spool
I was looking at my rear brakes the other day and my 9" rear axle on the '84 the pass. side moves in and out about a 32nd of an inch. Am I going to have to rebuild my axle?? Is the bearing just inside the diff. of not? I've been thinking of putting a mini or full spool on my truck as well. So if I had the do it this would be the perfect time. When you remove the 3rd member on the rear axle the gears and everything come with it right?? So you can take the member off and work on everything on your work bench correct?? That would seem like it would be really easy to put in a spool with the whole case, pinion, and gears removable. Or am I thinking about a different axle??
On the spool note I've heard the minis put more stress on the case and ring gear. Also does anyone know if my axles are 28 or 31 tooth??
Thank in advance
On the spool note I've heard the minis put more stress on the case and ring gear. Also does anyone know if my axles are 28 or 31 tooth??
Thank in advance
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 0
From: USA
mini spool
If the mini is for your '84 F-150 4x4 that you have listed in your signature, then I am 99% sure its a 31-spline 9". I believe they only put the 28-spline 9" axles in the 2wd trucks, but Ford is weird like that. Both my 1984 and 1986 Broncos w/9" rears both have 31-splines axles.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 379
Likes: 0
mini spool
Mini spools are very easy to put in and are only around $30-40 for a 9".
You will have no trouble what so ever on the highway but slowing down for curves is a very good idea. It makes the truck want to push (understeer) in corners unless it's slipery (rain or snow) at which point over steer can be a concern. If you are a knowledgable driver and know how to correct an oversteer skid as well as how to adjust your driving style to compensate for vehicle quirks you'll do fine w/ the spool. I wish someone made a spool for a 30 spline Dana60 cause I'd have one in my truck tomorrow. I drove on a mini spool for about a yr. or so before I put the truck on the highboy chassis and loved it.
You will have no trouble what so ever on the highway but slowing down for curves is a very good idea. It makes the truck want to push (understeer) in corners unless it's slipery (rain or snow) at which point over steer can be a concern. If you are a knowledgable driver and know how to correct an oversteer skid as well as how to adjust your driving style to compensate for vehicle quirks you'll do fine w/ the spool. I wish someone made a spool for a 30 spline Dana60 cause I'd have one in my truck tomorrow. I drove on a mini spool for about a yr. or so before I put the truck on the highboy chassis and loved it. Trending Topics
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 523
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
mini spool
Thanks for the help.
I still don't know if I should go for a mini or full spool. I've heard mini's can but more stress on the cross pin and case and cause more deflection. I don't mine spending a hundred more if my diff. is gonna last 3 times longer.
Thanks
I still don't know if I should go for a mini or full spool. I've heard mini's can but more stress on the cross pin and case and cause more deflection. I don't mine spending a hundred more if my diff. is gonna last 3 times longer.
Thanks
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 718
Likes: 0
From: Golden ,CO USA
mini spool
i havent had any troubles with my mini spool yet. i judt put the old cross pin back in my axle. i know that they make a stronger cross pin for use with a mini spool that isnt too expensive. i am gonna buy one soon before something bad happens to mine. and i dont think that i set my back-lash properly when i installed it. i had to replace the whole 3rd member when i did mine because it was cracked on the inner pinion bearing housing. you shouldnt have any troubles with it if you dont replace anything other than the mini spool for the side gears.
'75 F-100 4x4, 4" lift
35x15.5x15 super swamper TSL/SX
mini-spooled 9" rear end
390 w/ cam,headers,
and 4 barrell edelbrock
TRIED TRUE and FORD BLUE
'75 F-100 4x4, 4" lift
35x15.5x15 super swamper TSL/SX
mini-spooled 9" rear end
390 w/ cam,headers,
and 4 barrell edelbrock
TRIED TRUE and FORD BLUE
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