Spool locker questions
 

ive been doing some research on spool lockers and i think i have a general idea how they work. just in case, could someone explain it? i am considering getting a spool locker for my front diff, i was wondering if i kept the hubs unlocked would the tires still squeal when i turned from them being connected. you would think they wouldnt be connected at all but i dont know. any help would be greatly appreciated.

Lockers "lock" the axle shafts to the diff gears so everything spins the same.
Lockers either have clutches or are selectable to help minimize quirkiness and wheel chirp.
Spool is locked all the time.

Manual hubs lock the wheel to the axle shafts.

Make sense?

:wabbit2:

so could i use one in the front diff and it not affect on road driving?

Do not run a spool in the front of any street driven rig that has auto lock hubs. Even trail rig guys don't like em in the front. Mud Bog guys seem to tend to like them though. But that's only in their dedicated mud trucks. If you have manual hub locks you'll be ok till you need 4wd on the street, ie snow, ice etc etc. then a spool is a VERY BAD idea in the front.

Spools in the back are ok as long as you know how to drive it. But is extremely tricky with any locker on the street when it comes to driving in snow. Also a spool on the street is gonna tear up tires in the back or the front of an Auto lock hub truck.

would i be able to install this myself. i have most tools and an air compressor. i just did a clutch, so i have some mechanic ability. what is the approximate time for installing this? thanks

Unless you have set up a diff before, I would suggest against it, you need to have the proper specs on the diff gears before using them otherwise you will eat through gears like crazy. You also need more than basic tools to measure everything correctly. I am guessing that you have manual hubs, so on the street a spool wont affect anything with them unlocked, off road, I hope you have either full hydraulic or assist to turn the wheel as it will be a PITA to turn it without in tight spots or in the rocks.