Whats everyons opinion on using a Spool?

[90 SAS TOTOTA]

I have a 90' Ext Pickup, Im in the process now of swaping the All Pro SAS. Im about half way through and so far things are going smoothly. I have a front end out of a 85' and thinking about locking it up with a spool. Anyone have an opinion

[Sean]

I think it's a bad idea for a front diff. Turning with the hubs locked in will be hard on the trail and dangerous in between at speed. For a trail only rig it would be cool with a driveshaft disconnect and hydro assist steering but for any sort of dual purpose truck, no. If your budget is tight get an aussie locker.

[90 SAS TOTOTA]

Im building the truck mainly offroad purposes. And im not really wanting to run a spool to save money. I just cant see the big difference between a spool and a detroit locker.
Also I am trying to reply to the SAS post at the top of the page but when i click on the post it says im a guest not a member and it wont let me respond. Can anyone help?

[4xfred]

;D My opinion on spools are that they are for OFFROAD ONLY! Maybe go to the gas station & such. I know people drive w/spools everyday but I can't & don't agree. It'll always come down to what you think is best for you. As far as posting, your membership status may not have been logged when you tried to post. Try again. If there's still a problem, PM me, Muddy or Mike & it'll get fixed ASAP! Later...

[Sean]

I can say I've driven with my e-locker locked for months at a time, when I first installed it before wiring it and after burning out the first control box I had built by a friend for it. This is exactly the same as a spool, except quite a bit heavier. I really was'nt bad at all in the summer with no ice or snow. The only really draw backs were the increased turning radius and excess, and I mean excess tire wear. I would seriously consider a spool for a trail/street rig that did'nt see many miles and no snow. But only in the rear. I think I may install one in my Challenger next year to replace the worn out limited slip.
The difference between that and a detroit is that detroit will allow you to turn as long as you are not on it. With a spool when you turn one tire is going to need to slip which means the likely hood you will just continue to go foward instead of turning is greatly increased.
If money is no object, I would suggest a high pinion diff with an arb. Actually I would go with high pinion electric to match my rear e-locker, but it requires more mods including opening the housing opening a bit, welding in a bead and grinding it for the new gasket surface and trimming the passenger side spring perch to clear the electric motor.
If you have the front end apart, be sure to pick up some longfields to replace the weak stock birfields if you are planning to run a front locker. When doing my swap the budget got tight so I left the front open until I can upgrade joints.

[snorkleman]

I think I am in the same boat as these guys about the spool. The only way i would use one is for a trail rig that doesnt see the street. The detroit will unlock when your not on the throttle. The spool is 100% locked. The stress on pavement is going to be transmitted to your tires and driveline. I would definately not get a spool for the front. Even if it was a off road rig only. Just for the siple reason that it is going to make your steering that much harder all the time. IMO you need something that is going to let go when your off the gas.

[Colotoyboy]

I agree, my buddy and I took the locker out of the front of his rig because we were on the trail and it forced us sideways in a tight spot when we were in a rut and it almost forced us off the road. So avoid doing this even if its just a trail rig.