What's the difference?

[vtblazer]

Okay, lots of good input/info here so far.

Being I'm running a spooled D60 and a Detroit out back in the 14BFF, I'll throw in what I've experienced first hand trying to answer your question's.

STREET MANNERS -
1st: Don't run a spool in the front if you want 4wd while driving on public streets, it'll bite ya in the a$$ and won't turn on snow/ice.
2nd: A Detroit won't be any better cause if there's power input while turning. it's gonna lock up and act the same as a spool.
3rd: A Detroit in the rear isn't an issue on the street if you can deal with the strange chips/clunks but on snow and ice it will again act like a spool if being powered but I personally always liked my posi in the snow.

TRAIL MANNERS -
True, a spool does hinder turning ability somewhat but nothing you can't deal with especially if your running triple sticks, just disengage the front.
Running a Detroit rules, period.

Other thoughts:
If you want on the street during snow and ice condition's, lock in only one hub and drive in 3wd.
If money and absolute durability were no object, run select-ables both front and rear.

I'd consider a selectable for mine but being there hasn't been one made that's 100% reliable, I'll stick to my spool and deal.

[jacobs]

Originally Posted by vtblazer

STREET MANNERS -
1st: Don't run a spool in the front if you want 4wd while driving on public streets, it'll bite ya in the a$$ and won't turn on snow/ice.

Agreed! 40 years ago, I tried running welded spider gears in the front of my old IH Scout. It was impossible to steer on snow or ice. VERY DANGEROUS!

[CDA 455]

Originally Posted by vtblazer

Other thoughts:
If you want on the street during snow and ice condition's, lock in only one hub and drive in 3wd.

Dumb questions:

This wouldn't hurt the axle?

And I'm assuming you're referring to a spool?

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by CDA 455

Dumb questions:

This wouldn't hurt the axle?

And I'm assuming you're referring to a spool?

Not a dumb question at all.

I wouldn't make a habit of driving around that way nor would I intentionally wheel in that configuration given other options but you'd at least be able to turn on slippery/icy roads that way.

[CDA 455]

Originally Posted by vtblazer

Not a dumb question at all.

I wouldn't make a habit of driving around that way nor would I intentionally wheel in that configuration given other options but you'd at least be able to turn on slippery/icy roads that way.

Do you have lock outs or drive flanges on your spooled D60?

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by CDA 455

Do you have lock outs or drive flanges on your spooled D60?

Lock outs.
I'd like flanges if I had a selectable though.

[CDA 455]

Originally Posted by vtblazer

Lock outs.
I'd like flanges if I had a selectable though.

Then your front diff. acts like an open diff. with the front axle unlocked, right?


Also:
Would snowchains help with keeping traction and keep from sliding sideways in the snow when a front diff has a spool?