this is the email that i have sent them a couple of times to no response, so i figured you guys might be able to shed some light on the topic.

i am interested in the 4.88 lock right third for my 80 toy for the rear and a open or spooled 4.88 third in the front.
my ?s are:
1. why are the spool and the open thirds the same price?
2. what would you think about the spooled third up front? i have read up on the locker up front, what if i only locked one side when using 4x (like in the snow/ice) wouldnt that act like a open diff sending power to only one wheel (3x4)? would i break/mess up a axle shaft or anything else?
3. do they charge a core charge for the thirds? or want the old one sipped back to them?

i run off of pavement about 90% of the time. 20% in snow, 20% in mud, and 50% on dirt. thanks for all of the incite you can give

 

a spool in the front is not a good idea. I would put a limited in the front. and Marlin does give a core price. So when you have them do your 3rd member you will have to send them yours back. if you run a spool in front it puts alot of stress on your front end and your axles will eventually break also spools dont handle corners well

 

maybe just spool the rear and put the locker in the front. i dont know from experience (no front locker) but ive heard that you can lock in one hub and have 3 wheel drive. pretty sure thats correct.

 

I just ordered a third from marlin and did not pay any core. They ise brand new thirds not rebuilt.

 

Isn't it sad you have to ask us marlin questions, spools are cheap and replace the open carrier yes they use all new parts so no cores or if you want to send them your old ones they can build those too. Spool in front = breakage

 

Did you try calling them? They answer the phone everytime I call. Never had a problem getting ahold of them.

They do have their own forum too. You can get your answers a lot quicker that way than email.

And no core, they sell new units with new parts.

 

no i haven't called them i kind of live in the middle of the woods. how much was shipping per? do you remember.
thanks guys