A Front Spool Question

[Robb]

Hey Guys!

Ok, an SFA with hubs unlocked and T-case only driving the rear diff (2wd), is a spool in the front hurting anything? I figure that the front diff isn't being driven by the wheels or the driveshaft in this situation, so it should just be sitting still right?

Am I missing something? Just wondering

Thanks!

 

[dogfriend]

Wouldnt you have a hard time turning and wouldnt you be scrubbing the tires when turning corners?

The purpose of a differential is to allow the two tires to turn at slightly different speeds as they must when turning a corner. Doesnt a spool make the two wheels turn the same speed whether it is powered or not?

Oops, edit: I didn't see the part about the hubs being unlocked, sorry. But still wouldnt it be hard to steer, even off road?

 

[Redrig]

id say your right. i dont think the front driveshaft would spin in that situation.

 

[Robb]

Originally posted by dogfriend
Doesnt a spool make the two wheels turn the same speed whether it is powered or not?

But unlocked hubs allow the wheels to spin independently of the axles right?

 

[dogfriend]

See my edit above

 

[Doug]

With the hubs unlocked the spool will have no affect but forget about turning with the hubs locked and in 4wd. you're much better off runing a selectable locker up front. Hell you could even have the 4wd engaged but the hubs unlocked and the spool would not affect the steering.

 

[Alec]

Besides that fact that with a spool in front you're probably gonna break something

Think of all the problems Jefe had with his auto locker in front. I know this was with the stock IFS, but you'll still be putting a lot of strain on the system.

 

[james t]

i thought you were getting ARB's?

if you really do mean a "spool", i would say thats a no go partner. turning offroad will be hellishly difficult. with the Detroit EZlocker in my front D44 its hard enough in some situations. unlocked, you will never know its there. it would be a good thing on a mud drag truck though.

 

[Randall]

You'll be ale to turn just fine with some hydraulic assist or full hydraulic steering. You'll be blowing hubs on a regular basis.

 

[james t]

... and u joints, and outers, and inners

methinks robb is going somewere with this one...

 

[Doug]

Originally posted by james t
... and u joints, and outers, and inners

methinks robb is going somewere with this one...

Well he's gotta do something with that D30 since he said he was going full-width.

 

[JoshC]

And the 9" rear end......

 

[Robb]

Hey, THANKS for the advice guys!! Just bouncing ideas around in my head. The idea of being able to select 2WD on the trail between obstacles had left my head for awhile. Thanks for the reminder.

You are right James, I am probably gonna end up with ARBs, but it is difficult to hit that "Confirm Order" button for a $600+ locker. Makes you want to look at alternatives.

Thanks Again Fellas!