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Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2004 11:02 am Post subject: Spool or mini-spool?
Hey guys. I was looking at putting a detriot locker in my rear, but a friend of mine said that a spool would be the same thing....only cheaper. so i looked into it and heres my question...What is the difference between a spool and a mini-spool(other that the obvious...price). It would be going into a 1987 Elky. Thanks guys
Necoa #: 2314
Location: 20(HI)
Joined: Jan 29, 2004
Posts: 3653
Year: 1979
Model: El Camino
Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2004 12:41 pm Post subject:
A mini spool is used mainly for cars racing on dirt tracks. A full spool is used for drag racing. Both kind of spools lock the axles together; they cannot be used on the street because when you go around a corner the outside tire has to spin faster than the inside tire. If you try to use a spool on the street you will either ruin the tires or most likely break something in the rear axle assembly. Don't try using a spool for street driving. _________________ 1979 El Camino\r\n1955 Chevrolet Del Ray\r\n1962 Corvette\r\n1966 Corvette Coupe
Last edited by Mrapii on Thu Mar 11, 2004 7:50 pm; edited 1 time in total
Necoa #: 14
Location: 5(NC,SC)
Joined: Dec 07, 2001
Posts: 1761
Year: 1978
Model: El Camino
Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2004 1:23 pm Post subject:
I agree. Spools make for some bad handling. _________________ 78 Camino SS, 355,built 700r4,3.23
Gallery78 Camino SS, 355,700r4,3.23
MSGT 145 AW
NECOA #14
Necoa #: 1856
Location: Aurora, IL
Joined: Nov 25, 2003
Posts: 147
Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2004 1:48 pm Post subject:
A Detroit locker is neither spool or mini-spool. It will release around corners, but makes a loud clicking sound.
Powertrax makes a quite locker (and a loud locker). ~$400, but you can install it yourself. The Detriot locker is about ~300.
A minispool replaces the gears in your carrier. I think a spool replaces the entire carrier. _________________ Rich
1985 El Camino Conquista - sold
1983 Regal T Type
Necoa #: 572
Location: 10(IL,MN,WI)
Joined: Jan 28, 2003
Posts: 3617
Year: 1984
Model: El Camino
Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2004 7:46 pm Post subject:
I would not recommend either for street use. What type of rearend do you have? If you have a stock 87 rearend, it's not a Detroit locker you want. _________________ "The day we lose our will to fight is the day we lose our freedom" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8
Necoa #: 2314
Location: 20(HI)
Joined: Jan 29, 2004
Posts: 3653
Year: 1979
Model: El Camino
Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2004 7:58 pm Post subject:
Power Trax has anyone tried this locking differential? _________________ 1979 El Camino\r\n1955 Chevrolet Del Ray\r\n1962 Corvette\r\n1966 Corvette Coupe
"What type of rearend do you have? If you have a stock 87 rearend, it's not a Detroit locker you want."
Yes as far as i know i have a stock rear-end, i havent looked into any parts yet because i jsut paid my loan off, but now that i have it paid off its time to upgrade and modify!!!! Why wouldnt i want to put a detriot locker in it. i dont plan on doing any 'legal' racing with it just maybe run it along a friends car, crown vic HA! A friend of mine said a spool would be just fine in my rear, and yes i realize that the tires will wear faster. Its still winter here in ND, USA so i have some time still 'cause i dont have a shop and i hate the cold very much. and im not really too worried about how the handling would be altered by a spool. well thanks for the help guys.
Necoa #: 2314
Location: 20(HI)
Joined: Jan 29, 2004
Posts: 3653
Year: 1979
Model: El Camino
Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2004 11:34 pm Post subject:
You cannot use a spool on the street! You shouldn't even think about it. Wearing your tires would be the least of your problems with a spool. Manufacturers of autos put differentials in the driving axle because you need it. _________________ 1979 El Camino\r\n1955 Chevrolet Del Ray\r\n1962 Corvette\r\n1966 Corvette Coupe
Necoa #: 1856
Location: Aurora, IL
Joined: Nov 25, 2003
Posts: 147
Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 12:14 pm Post subject:
I just ordered a powertrax. $380 shipped was the best price I could find from Rubicon4x4.com Best choice IMO, since I can install it myslef.
Next best choice is buying a complete, used, posi rear, but then you're taking chances. Not all can be rebuilt. I found this out when I bought a factory '87 MCSS 3.73 rear. It's an Auburn unit with a broken cone.
If you plan on changing the ring and pinion as well, get a Eaton and have someone install it. _________________ Rich
1985 El Camino Conquista - sold
1983 Regal T Type
i was looking thru the forums and someone else suggest a Eaton posi differential unit, they are like $350 off ebay(new of course). what you guys think of that?
Necoa #: 2314
Location: 20(HI)
Joined: Jan 29, 2004
Posts: 3653
Year: 1979
Model: El Camino
Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 12:47 pm Post subject:
I would think that the Eaton, Auburn, or PowerTrax are good choices, all three are available from Jegs; just pick the one you can get the best deal on. _________________ 1979 El Camino\r\n1955 Chevrolet Del Ray\r\n1962 Corvette\r\n1966 Corvette Coupe
Necoa #: 1856
Location: Aurora, IL
Joined: Nov 25, 2003
Posts: 147
Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 3:54 pm Post subject:
Lockers are a little cheaper, but not enough justify putting up with the clicking. Find Powertrax's website, they do good job explaining both (they sell lock-rite lockers as well).
You can install a powertrax yourself. Add $100-200 to the price of the eaton or auburn for installation. (plus you can always pull the powertrax if you sell the truck)
$380 < $350+shipping+install _________________ Rich
1985 El Camino Conquista - sold
1983 Regal T Type
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Why wouldnt i want to put a detriot locker in it. i dont plan on doing any 'legal' racing with it just maybe run it along a friends car, crown vic HA! A friend of mine said a spool would be just fine in my rear, and yes i realize that the tires will wear faster. Its still winter here in ND, USA so i have some time still 'cause i dont have a shop and i hate the cold very much. and im not really too worried about how the handling would be altered by a spool. well thanks for the help guys.