So I have a good feeling im gonna catch a bit of $#@! for this, but I really cant find a definitive way of finding the difference between a spool, and Detroit. From what I understand, the spool is locked; always. Might as well be a welded rear. But a Detroit has the ability to (disengage?) in a turn? If thats the case, then what would be the point in running an Air locker in the front? The only thing I could think of, is if you were to want open diffs for icy roads or something? I feel like im asking a ridiculous question, but id much rather look a little foolish and find the answer, than continue to be uneducated...

 

First off, Welcome to Yotatech. Nice to see another Nor Cal member anywho, i'll try and break it down as much as possible.

A spool is exactly what you think it is... a spool. It replaces the spider gears, and is constantly locked. much like a welded rear ( like you mentioned )

an automatic locker ( is what I have in the front and rear ) locks when the axle starts to slip or lose traction. It automatically shifts over and locks the axle, giving traction. Its a little more expensive than a spool, and much cheaper than a selectable, but in the end does the job reliably

a selectable locker is what it sounds like. you can "select" when to turn it on or off at the flip of a switch. more costly, yes. but much more road friendly.

Most people refrain from putting anything but a selectable locker up front strictly because its much more road friendly. If you have front and rear auto lockers ( like what I have ) you cannot turn while in 4WD on the road, unless you have manual hubs. At that point, you can get out, lock ONE hub, and get back in. drop it in 4wd and drive safely.

Alot of people go with automatic lockers because they're cheap, reliable and get the job done. You'll definitely have to adjust your driving to deal with it. My only suggestion, that if you decide to go with an automatic locker. push the clutch in when you turn. Yes you'll hear a repetitive clicking noise, but its much more efficient than roasting your tires. ( they'll chirp on a tight slow turn, go in a parking lot and you'll see what I mean )

I hope this was helpful.

 

OK Slip or loose traction. Your describing a limited slip, are you not. And I know there are basically 4, open, limited slip, selectable and the reg locker.

and how do you like the 4.88's.
you run 33's yes?

 

Welcome and X2 on the above advice. I have an auto locker in the front and a selectable in the rear. Most of my time is on the road. I have had an autolocker in the rear ran one for years. When the front has good traction it is harder to turn the steering wheel, there are ways to offset the PITA but will save that for later. In slick mud in tight turns my 4rnr turns better when the rear is unlocked.

Really for the price an autolocker of the lunchbox design (Aussie or Locrite) is the best bang for your buck, IMHO.

 

thanks for the greetings everyone. ive surfed this site a ton, and now that ive finally got my toy i decided it was time to join the community. basically those were the perfect answers, so thank you all for the input.

 

mak92- thanks for all the info, perfect explanation. i have a welded rear, so i know allll about the infamous chirp. also, if i can recall ive read a bunch of your stuff in the past. if so, sounds like you know a ton of fun places to take the rig out. if youre ever looking for another truck to bring along or care to share some good info and tips, let me know. kinda getting bored with prairie city and ice house fire roads hah.

 

teuf- i honestly believe my 35s are sitting on stock gears... its deffinately not an easy drive up a hill, positively not 5.29s. if i had built the truck, that wouldnt be the case haha. but i guess thats what makes it a project.

 

muddpigg- i appreciate the advice. i was kind of looking into simple buying an assembled 3rd member, and cant recall seeing any other options than spool, detroit and arb. im pretty used to the locked rear, so i was kind of thinking 5.29s, spool in rear, detroit up front? obviously i have more research to do, but that seems to make sense to me..

 

Technically a spool replaces the entire carrier. A lunchbox or ratchet locker replaces just the spider gears.......

 

Unless its a mini spool, nah nah nah. Logan, come run Elbe with me next weekend.

 

Have you considered a toy e-locker? Just another option...

 

You can just "drop in" an elocker......