Who Has Used A Spool On The Street?

Shirley

Founding Member
Nov 14, 2001
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Phoenix, AZ
Ok, my t-loc is worn out, and I want something that is gonna last and not wear away again in a few months. I don't have the money for a detroit locker, but I was wondering if a spool is really that bad on the street. I can get a great deal on a 8.8'' mini spool. Any experience, advice, inputs, or 2 cents would really help. Thanks
 
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Spools are great if all you have to do is drive straight without any turns. If you want a replacement for the T-LOK, then get yourself a Detroit Locker or Detroit True-Track. No clutches to wear out.

:nice:
 
i ran a spool in my last car, a 67 mustang, and to say he least it was hard to drive. every u turn i made the tires were chirping and i ended up sideways alot more often then i wanted. u turns occasionally had to be throttled through just to make it around. fast cornering was tough to get used to as well because one wheel was always breaking loose. it was awesome in a straight line, but its not fun at all going 60 around a bend on the expressway and go into a full on drift without really trying. id recommend it for a track car with slicks but not on the street, espically if you drive in the rain. oh...and i was running 10" meats in the back.
 
i have no problems with mine, if it was my dd i would say no way, but if your not running insaine HP or slicks there is no reason for it.
I stay out of the gas durring turns, and try to watch out on peoples nice concrete driveways for they will get marked up bad, but you cant beat it for going straight
 
I've not run one in my mustang but I do run a mini-spool in my 73' Bronco. Now, I do drive it on the street with 33x12" tires. It chirps when pulling into parking spaces etc... but I never really even notice it under normal driving conditions, whether it be on the interstate or in commuting traffic.

Depending upon your "deal" you can try it and always change it back to something else if you don't like it. Of course, if you have to pay someone else to do all of the labor, you might be into the cost of a powertrax or detroit.

Heck, why not just rebuild your t-lok? The kits aren't that expensive.
 
No I have never worked on a differential, or ring and pinion setup. I just know I will screw that up. I dont even want to attempt the t-lok rebuild, saw a website, and it still looked a little too involved for me. I guess i should just save money. :nonono:
 
Well, tell us what kind of deal you got on the mini-spool and install and we might be able to help you get the most for your money.

For me, install was easier since my bronco has a 9" rear, I just removed the pumpkin and took it to an offroad shop and had them set it up. I think the actual spider gear was something like $35 and then it was $100-$200 to set up the carrier. I think. I can't remember.