Okay, so I'm re-gearing my toy with 5.29's. I'm using Nitro Gears with master install kits and solid spacers. I want to lock the rear. I don't have the money for an Aussie locker or anything and most of the people in my area just weld their rear ends. It seems to work fine just seems like a really cheap way to do it. I think I would rather spool the rear for another $145. Just seems cleaner and more professional to me but I've also been told the spools tend to break.

Any thought's, opinion's, experience and advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

For the love of everything holy,


USE THE SEARCH FUNCTION

 

I never broke the spool in my 4Runner, but it really depends on what you are trying to accomplish.

Spools, and welding (aka Lincoln Lockers) can never be unlocked. The advantage to Aussie lockers, detroits, and other similar lockers is they will unlock.

If you trailer the truck and/or if its a trail rig only, then Spool/weld it.
If you plan on driving it on the road...EVER...and don't have millions to spend on tires, buy the Aussie or Detroit locker.

Granted, I know this post was about Welding vs. Spool, but it helps to have all the options out there. An Aussie isn't much more than a spool for use in street driving.

 

I always heard the opposite, wheel a weld till it breaks. I have seeen some post where guys have done a really clean job welding the spiders with flat stock for reinforcement. My buddy is running 37" on a 4cyl spooled 5.29 3rd without issues, has years on the setup.

Tough call. Surely you know you'll have to regear both F/R. Most say not to weld front. But some do.

 

I do daily drive the truck. The rear is nothing but a frame so its got no weight. I think the lack of weight would make it a bit easier on the tires.

I've sold a few lockers and customers have been very disappointed and very happy. Never owned a set myself though and I would say they are 50/50.

I regear Jeeps all the time, just don't lock them and not familiar with 8" axles.

I think I'm going to ride around with my friend. He's welded but still drives it all the time.. Actually everyone that I know in my area rocks a welded rear full time and street drives except for me, haha

 

honestly I'll probably spool it. I just wanted to know what if you guys think that welding is really better. Seem's to be the tribal wisdom where I'm from. I've actually been called stupid for mentioning a spool so I wanted to know if I was really in the wrong

 

Welding isn't "better" its just cheaper.

Using a spool allows you to retain your spider gears in case you ever wanted to put your diff back to stock. Its also a cleaner install with no weld splatter risk.

 

Either way, you can weld it or you can lock it.
The tires WILL get worn faster with either.
One slightly more than the other.
Going in a straightline and down the highway, both will act the same..
In snow, both will act the same (unless selectable like e locker or ARB)
I'd just get a 220, a piece of flat stock, and weld er up..
If you break it, go buy an aussie locker and slap her in.

 

have a good source for tires? or do you enjoy rotating them all the time?
this has been covered multiple times...increased tire wear...