Full Spool / Mini Spool action....
 

When I say 'spool" I'm reffering to replacing the third member of the differential with one of these:
http://nationaldrivetrain.com/shopsi...spools_f_m.jpg

A "spool" limits differential rotation to exactly zero. A spool consists of a pinion & ring gear only, the center is solid, the axle is one piece. A mini-spool is similar, replacing the usual differential center with a solid piece, retaining the factory axles. You will always put the power to each wheel equally. However, turning is more difficult because of the lack of the required speed difference (outside tire has further to go and thusly has to spin faster to compensate).

Typical in Drifters and Drag Racers, I was wondering if spooling ever found a home in the offroad side of things. It is essentially a welded solid axle...

Pros:
*Power to both wheels, essentially full time locked.
*Cheaper than a "locker" even the less desiable full-times ones
*Stonger than the G80 mechanically
*Full spool eliminates all gears (spider,ring, pinion, etc) eliminating the weakest link

Cons:
*Good Bye sharp(er) turns
*Good Bye tire tread
*Good Bye wet traction (fear wet turns!)
*No gears means carrier (or axles) become the new weak link...


Anyone have any experience with this? I am not looking for, "solid axle is stupid and so are you" replies. First hand (even in an around style) experience is a bonus, but educated opinions are welcome too. I know a welded-solid axle is not ideal for road work. I also know that this is less flexible than even the weakest locker (lock-right style) but am interested none the less. Maybe not for a DD but you know, good info to have either way.

SEARCH turned up a few things like...
and

I have a welded rear axle and it doesnt make cornering any unsafer. Just makes noise and wears the tires out quicker. I was moving my s10 yesterday and floored it going around the wet corner yesterday and it didnt kick out. But offroad yeah it makes the world of difference. A open axle all your power goes to the tire that has no traction. Soon as i welded the axle i came back to the offroad park ive been to many times and was able to climb hills i couldnt get halfway up. But for a street truck i wouldnt recommend it. Your tires will be gone in no time

Mini spool is cheaper , but easier to break , but doubtful you would break one. Ive ran welded/spooled/and mini spooled rears in trail rigs , they do fine on the trail but a less than desired on the hwy. Will cause your turning radius in the gas station parking lot to be greatly diminished and everybody will stare at you as you pull up to the pump cause your tire will go 'BARK BARK BARK' . I dont recommend it on the road especially in the rain.

Thanks guys. I appreciated the "experience" weighing in :D

The general consensus seems to be, "If you have a toy, go for it. Otherwise not the best call..."

I will keep this tucked away in the old brain box on the off chance I get a bunch of $ somewhere and can make myself a trail-only trailerable rig :icon_teeth:

Why not run a LocRite? I have one in the front of my junk with foty toos and never had a problem . At least you would be locked , would be desireable for the hwy , and they really arent that expensive, AND you dont have to re set all the tolerances like you would with a spool(sometimes). That is provided that the tolerances are correct when you pull the carrier.

Yeah the LockRight is a goal of mine (read as: wish) but i found the mini spool for $90 and though just MAYBE it was more than just a cookie drawing me in... :icon_teeth:

lock right maybe weaker than a dedicated locker, but it's perfect for what i would do with it. We shall see... :icon_look:

It may be 'weaker' than a conventional locker , but like I said I got one in the front of mine , with foty dueces , 4xxhp @ the flywheel , a clutch and a heavy foot and mine has stayed together with zero maintenance thus far. Ive bounced that thing 4' in the air at Hale Mtn ORV so fast I didnt have time to let out of the gas and absoulutley zero issues. I know they look cheesy but installed correctly , my opinion of them is pretty high