Who runs a spool?

[cdhowell]

Been thinking about a spool on a new project. Never run one before and wanted opinions. Rig will be a toy not a DD. locked front with selectable hubs. May see a few road miles back to the trailer. What are your thoughts?

[YGOHOME]

I think Hackle has a spool in the rear dana 60 of his YJ.

[My1stJeep]

I have a mini spool in mine, was cheaper than having to have the gears set again on mine, it acts exactly the same. I love it. Traction could not be better, very strong. I have driven mine to and from trails at the South end of the White Tanks (live at the North end), taken the kids to and from school a few times, and to a meet and greet. Other than the squealing like a stuck pig when you corner and every person within a country mile staring it is fine. It will wear the tires out alot quicker, but as you said yours will not be a DD, nor is mine at this point so it really does not matter.

On the rocks and in the sand I have to say I do like it better then I did my previous locker (Lock Right).

Hope that helps.

[AZG23]

Didnt Lance just throw a spool in the rear..?? I think Chris (My1stJeep) is running one too..

[lancetkenyon]

Yep, I put in a full spool in my D44 and love it! Very predictable on and off road, no loading and unloading during shifting. Ultimate in strength and traction and simplisity. Even though Joe Daro says I drive "the scariest TJ ever!", I love it. Cheap and bulletproof. I just hope they come out with a 35 spline spool so I can upgrade to the 35 spline axles. I would only suggest it in the rear though, not necessarily great for a front axle assembly.

[westy]

I ran a spool for a couple years in the back of my Toyota. Simple, strong, reliable and cheap...however earlier this year I swapped it out for an ARB.

Having the selectable locker greatly decreased my turning radius and all around driveability was much better.

There is nothing wrong with a spool though and they do have their advantages no question.

[Jobless]

I went from a detroit in the rear to a full spool...the only reason I did was because the detroit got chowdered and the full spool was a heck of a lot less $$$.

The spool definately works but even in an offroad only Jeep like mine I still like the feel and driveability of the detroit.

[Heinz57]

I Run a spool in the rear, ARB up front. Hate the spool but at the time it was a money issue, heck still is. :D Mini Spool vs spool go spool, much stronger. If money is not an issue do ARB, having a selectable in the rear is the only way to go for the most versatility and when installed correctly very reliable and strong.

[pitch]

I run a mini spool in the rear. It is obviously very predictable. I love it on the trails, but mine is also a DD. It will cut the life of your tires by 50-75% if you street it a lot. It is very skechy on the ice/snow up here in the mountains too. Other than that, the traction and affordability makes it a great choice. If yours is a primarily trail rig, then go for it. It should always come with a warning if you ever toss the keys to another driver for pavement. It takes a bit of getting used to and can make U-turns a little scary:eek: .

[Stu Olson]

Having the selectable locker greatly increased my turning radius and all around driveability.
Hopefully it decreased your turning radius.

[westy]

Hopefully it decreased your turning radius.

fixed, thanks

[Hackle]

I run a rear spool on a trail only rig I have had no trouble with it and it works great. You will feel it push you in the tight corners. For a cheap, strong option this will work well.
Jim F.

[Black Hole]

I just hope they come out with a 35 spline spool so I can upgrade to the 35 spline axles. I would only suggest it in the rear though, not necessarily great for a front axle assembly.

I too have been waiting for a spool; a d44 33 spline. I have those axles and a detroit (super 44). I'd rather have a spool. ARBs are great...when they work (and they usually do). It's those times when they fail. I've never seen or heard of a selectable locker that has a manual backup...

Joe tells me he gets a lot of requests for 33 spline d44 spools. I wonder what it would cost per unit if a bunch of us got together and had them made.

[Woody]

I run a spool in my XJ. I probably wouldn't run anything else. It always works, period. Wouldn't do it on a DD, though.

I'll be doin' the D44 35 spline spool, if and when...........

Woody

[SHNIPE]

ill be putting one up front when i finish my 44. I run a lockright now and am used to not having a selectable. Just gotta wait till i run alloys to lessen the chances of breaking. (yes the front has hubs)

[UNSTUCK]

I've had my rear spool in for a while now. My cj was a DD for a long time with the spool in. I know it's there. I take it easy on corners. I almost never hear my tires squeel. Mostly going in and out of the driveway. I avoid uturns. But if you're in that big of a hurry, you don't want a spool. Get someone's jeep with an ARB. Turn it on and go for a drive down the street. If you like it, or can deal with it, get a spool if not, get a Detroit.

[lancetkenyon]

I have heard, and it actually makes sense, that a spool is easier on your drivetrain and axles than a locker. No unloading, even violent ones like when an axle breaks and takes out the locker. No parts to wear out either.

[desertfabmotors]

I Run a spool in the rear, ARB up front. Hate the spool but at the time it was a money issue, heck still is. :D Mini Spool vs spool go spool, much stronger. If money is not an issue do ARB, having a selectable in the rear is the only way to go for the most versatility and when installed correctly very reliable and strong.


I had a spool in the rear for the same reason, I hated it. Pushes the frt where you dont want, a ***** to turn ect...

I just installed ARB in rear, what a difference!! I will always have ARB's Frt & rear.:D

[Symon623]

Ran a spool of some sort in various rigs throughout the years.....Work great. predictable but htey do mess up your steering. I run a detroit in the rear now and it's great as long as I stay smooth on the gas and brakes. ARB is definately the way to go.

[cdhowell]

Sounds like you love it or hate it! A see for yourself kind of thing. Thanks for the input

[lancetkenyon]

Sounds like you love it or hate it! A see for yourself kind of thing. Thanks for the input

I admit, a spool does tend to push the front end strait through a turn, but the price and strength overrule the adverse effects in my opinion. If I was made of money, I would do a selectable too.:o