what do you think about spools...
 

What do you guys think of spools,mini spools, lockers and so on.I was thinking of getting a mini spool and putting it in a 14 bolt ff.

Re: what do you think about spools...
 

I wouldn't run a spool or mini-spool unless the truck is offroad-only.

Re: what do you think about spools...
 

:agree:

spools are only good for going in a straight line.. any kind of turning especially on pavement will be really hard on all the parts inside. but a Detroit locker would work pretty good.

Re: what do you think about spools...
 

A spool is a strictly off road thing. They really just want to go straight....drag racing's friend. Low-speed turning, like in parking lots, is the worst. One tire willalways squeel.
Even lockers are a bit harsh for street driving, even more so with a manual transmission. It just takes some getting used to....be careful who you allow to borrow your truck, especially in the rain or snow.
It's hard to beat a good-ol' clutch-type positraction unit. They are the most forgiving, yet still provide good traction.

Re: what do you think about spools...
 

depending on if its offroad like ditches, holes, hills, mud, water, etc kind of stuff i personally would go with the yukon grizzly but that's just me alot of guys in that situation would go with the detroit which is well proven

Re: what do you think about spools...
 

The Detroit is also pretty cheap and real easy to install into a 14b FF rear.

Re: what do you think about spools...
 

Ok,what is the difference in lockers verse's posi?I know spools are locked in all the time.
What's good for Mmm snow,mud or all around?

Re: what do you think about spools...
 

A 'posi' (they have many names) is a Limited Slip. They turn both tires, but there is some give in them.

A locker, like the Detroit, is just that. A ratcheting device that makes both tires turn at exactly the same rate once locked.

Re: what do you think about spools...
 

I like GM's factory Gov-lock. They do everything i have ever needed.

Re: what do you think about spools...
 

I would try a locker before a spool..I run a detroit true trac..Dana 44

Re: what do you think about spools...
 

They are "somewhat" acceptable in a completely stock truck....but I would never install one.
If I found one while searching for a complete rear end to swap into a truck, it wouldn't necessarily be a deal-breaker, but I sure wouldn't pay any extra for it.
They don't do well with heavy right feet or big tires.

IMHO, they are best for people who really don't need one anyway ;)

Re: what do you think about spools...
 

I can just about look at a Gov-bomb cross eyed and it will lunch itself...they don't like throttle, big tires or sticky terrain.

Re: what do you think about spools...
 

I have never had one blow out and I run 35x15.5 tires and play tug-a-truck with it. My 60 up front is another story blew 2 Detroits out this year.

Re: what do you think about spools...
 

Spools will push you straight and bust axles unless you have bullet-proof axles.
I would not have a gov-lock . I can show you a 10 bolt carrier that broke in half on a farm truck with 2.73 gears and an automatic,
31" tires. And I have never seen a carrier break before.
Auburn posi or lockers are fine.
You could use a spool in the front if you have locking hubs and run one locked and one unlocked til you get off road and then lock both...Not my idea but a good one.

Re: what do you think about spools...
 

I wouldn't either, sounds painfull ;)

As far as putting one in the front....don't even think about it, unless you are in a controlled "truck pull", and even then you will need up-graded axles or it will go boom.
I have broken Dana 44 front axles with a Tru-Trac, anything with any more degree of "locking" would be harder on them and it would be even worse to drive. A spool in the front would be really twitchy....finger buster. Not a good idea.

Re: what do you think about spools...
 

I would never run a spool in anything but an on pavement straight line racing vehicle. I would want the same resistance on both sides when under full power...like drag racing. Just asking too much from axle shafts in any other application.

I have absolutely no problems with the G80 and neither do any of my friends who have them. I guess we all know what we have and how to drive them,though,just like the Detroit Lockers many say are no good for street driving. I've run every design out there and they all just require proper "know how". You don't drive a locker like anything else. You don't drive a G80 like anything else. You actually don't drive a limited slip like anything else,either,but they are the most forgiving for those who aren't any good at driving with feeling in their right foot. I don't wear tires out fast with a locker and I don't grenade my rear with G80s. Both benefit more than any open rears like most guys have. I've used my G80 to put more than one guy's foot in his mouth.

Lockers are great for spinning both wheels. But,that isn't always what you need,so it takes some technique. Sometimes you can't use that technique and it'll be a disadvantage.That's why they came up with air lockers and electric lockers...so you can go with or without. Best of both worlds and that's why they cost the most.
Limited slip is the best compromise for all situations.

Re: what do you think about spools...
 

ok whats a G80 ?

Re: what do you think about spools...
 

G80 is GM's option code for the Gov-Loc that we were discussing.

Re: what do you think about spools...
 

Only thing I have ever run a spool or welded up was a mud truck . Gov lock broke and I washed the biggest part of it out of the bottom of a 14 bolt housing .

Same thing on a 44 ,Spiders blew up so I grabbed the welder for the next mud race . broke 3 outer axle stubs and 3 inner axle shafts that season before spending the big bucks

Re: what do you think about spools...
 

If money is no object, arb air locker! Best of both worlds! Both mine have stood up to my huge right foot and 40 inch boggers. Not cheap but they work awesome. Otherwise in an all around situation I would use a Detroit or grizzly just be prepared for the truck to drive way different if you've never had a locker, especially in snow and ice.
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