Got the spool in
Got the spool in
This is just a post for people who are interested in mini spools.
First off, install was a PITA. I should have frozen the center blocks, it would have saved about 30 minutes.
That is how it looks.
I didn't get any pics of the install, it was VERY messy.
Pros:
I feel like I seriously have 4wd compared to how I was before
2 wheels spinning all the time
Cons:
Weakens carrier (which already is the weak point)
Chirps when turning
Truck wants to go straight, and only straight
Puts extra stress on pretty much everything
Basically, the way I feel right now, if I break it, I will make it better. I know people that have ran a spool for years, no problems, drive it like they stole it. I also know one person who shattered their carrier within a week. I guess there are a lot of contributing factors.
For me, it was nice, I had a summit gift cert, from complaining about my rock cralwer wheels
It was 100 to the door IIRC...I think I may have bought something else too though, so it may be a little cheaper for others.
So my point:
If you want a cheap alternative to a locker, get a mini spool. It's awesome offroading, onroad it's bearable and plenty drivable. I feel like I'm driving a sport ATV. But it makes the truck feel very nice and predictable. Just if you install it, freeze the center blocks a few days before you go to install it. It makes it much easier.
I know theres a lot I didn't cover, but it's just my little version.
So far, I'm in love. I feel like I have a new truck. I can't wait for bigger meats!! I'm going out in a few mins to go test it some more, but I just got back from doing a little test run...pics to come
First off, install was a PITA. I should have frozen the center blocks, it would have saved about 30 minutes.
That is how it looks.
I didn't get any pics of the install, it was VERY messy.
Pros:
I feel like I seriously have 4wd compared to how I was before
2 wheels spinning all the time
Cons:
Weakens carrier (which already is the weak point)
Chirps when turning
Truck wants to go straight, and only straight
Puts extra stress on pretty much everything
Basically, the way I feel right now, if I break it, I will make it better. I know people that have ran a spool for years, no problems, drive it like they stole it. I also know one person who shattered their carrier within a week. I guess there are a lot of contributing factors.
For me, it was nice, I had a summit gift cert, from complaining about my rock cralwer wheels
It was 100 to the door IIRC...I think I may have bought something else too though, so it may be a little cheaper for others.
So my point:
If you want a cheap alternative to a locker, get a mini spool. It's awesome offroading, onroad it's bearable and plenty drivable. I feel like I'm driving a sport ATV. But it makes the truck feel very nice and predictable. Just if you install it, freeze the center blocks a few days before you go to install it. It makes it much easier.
I know theres a lot I didn't cover, but it's just my little version.
So far, I'm in love. I feel like I have a new truck. I can't wait for bigger meats!! I'm going out in a few mins to go test it some more, but I just got back from doing a little test run...pics to come
Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,829
Likes: 0
From: Sliding in the skreets
i will be getting one soon. wish i could go full, but not with c clips.
have fun with that thing. but know your limits, ans know them well. makes simple things more difficult, as im sure youve already noticed.
have fun with that thing. but know your limits, ans know them well. makes simple things more difficult, as im sure youve already noticed.
Oh, I got lots of pics, just got back at 4.43...
I just have one thing to say though...
It just helps me get stuck in worse, deeper, thicker, nastier, smellier mud
It makes me just get stuck harder...I still get really relaly stuck...I was laying on the hitch in knee high ruts...
I just have one thing to say though...
It just helps me get stuck in worse, deeper, thicker, nastier, smellier mud
It makes me just get stuck harder...I still get really relaly stuck...I was laying on the hitch in knee high ruts...
Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: NJ
My old C20 Suburban had a factory Detroit locker and if I hit a patch of ice going around a turn it would lock up and the sound would resemble breaking a tooth off the ring gear lol.
I want to save for an electric or air lock. You just talked me out of wanting a mini spool now. It does look like a nice piece though.
I want to save for an electric or air lock. You just talked me out of wanting a mini spool now. It does look like a nice piece though.
Originally Posted by ranger
i have a full locker in my 92 and i love it for on road driving and muddin it is the best thing in the world. the tires chirp yes but it is well worth it imo. and we want some muddin pics Ricky!
Kevin is the man, he pulled me out easy...I just dig soooo hard now though!
Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,502
Likes: 2
From: Imperial Beach, CA
diggin is good ricky i guess you have to learn to drive different. i mean when we put the locker in mine it was like night and day and offroadin in a open diff sucks in my 03. yea you cant just gun it anymore like your used to otherwise youll just spin. and with the mts you are set.
Originally Posted by ranger
diggin is good ricky i guess you have to learn to drive different. i mean when we put the locker in mine it was like night and day and offroadin in a open diff sucks in my 03. yea you cant just gun it anymore like your used to otherwise youll just spin. and with the mts you are set.
It is kinda like sand.
Oh, and BTW, pics are going up after I get back from dinner ~2hrs
Originally Posted by ranger
any pics my good sir been ~3hrs lol...
I had a full spool in the cherokee with the d44 in the rear. wow did she wheel. Wow did she get sideways. Wow did she scare the holy **** out of me when when turning on dry pavement and all of a sudden hitting a puddle. Yup....on a daily driver, a spool is just too much of a hassle. Now....on a non-daily driver......like my chevy, mini spool is the way to go.
Why even get a spool, when you can lincoln lock it???
Why even get a spool, when you can lincoln lock it???
RF Veteran
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 5,782
Likes: 2
From: College Station, TX
If you lincoln-lock it and decide later on that you don't want to have it locked anymore, you've got to get a new chunk. Spools don't wear out, so if you decide to pull them, you can usually recoup a good bit of your money, instead of having to buy a new chunk like if you weld the spiders.
Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Firey depths
Originally Posted by Gearhead61
If you lincoln-lock it and decide later on that you don't want to have it locked anymore, you've got to get a new chunk. Spools don't wear out, so if you decide to pull them, you can usually recoup a good bit of your money, instead of having to buy a new chunk like if you weld the spiders.
