Front Spool

[delducra]

Anyone running a front spool or welded diff? If so - what are your experiences?

I'm about to replace the front axle and I'm wondering if the additional expense - and more parts to break - are worth it for the front end where locking hubs are used. I'm especially wondering about rocky slab crossings.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Bad idea.
Put a D/L in.........
LG

 

[mtnwhlr]

I would think with a spool in the front you will have a real hard time turning it when in 4 wheel drive.

 

[Torxhead]

I have wheeled with a couple of guys who had the welded gears in their off road only flatties, they were quite happy with the setup. Although I am not sure how it worked in the long run. I would not recommended it though, especially for the newer heavier CJs.

 

[Posi]

I was wheeling gun yesterday in a welded front and rear tj.
Think plowing straight ahead on turns
There was a H1 present as well and as wide as he was we had to make a three point turn where he didn’t.
It was slick and muddy yesterday that added to plowing straight on turns.

 

[delducra]

I guess the fundamental question I'm wondering about is - why put an ARB or elocker in the front at all? Because once you turn it on it is essentially a spool, and would have all the same characteristics many of you are talking about. And if I'm going to unlock my hubs during on-road driving situations anyhow, doesn't it all end up the same in the end?

 

[Posi]

I guess the fundamental question I'm wondering about is - why put an ARB or elocker in the front at all? Because once you turn it on it is essentially a spool, and would have all the same characteristics many of you are talking about. And if I'm going to unlock my hubs during on-road driving situations anyhow, doesn't it all end up the same in the end?

If you had an ARB or elocker you would turn it off on tight corners. Sure beats getting out of your rig each time to unlock a hub or hubs when you come on a tight turn.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

A D/L unlocks when you lift the pedal.
Been very pleased with my front & rear D/L's.
LG

 

[delducra]

Thanks all. Ordered ARB rear, DL front. Game on


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[jp360cj]

Thanks all. Ordered ARB rear, DL front. Game on


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Just curious, why didn't you go with the ARB in the front too?

But I think you'll be pleased with what you've chosen. Ever since I installed OBA, I've been looking for a reason to go air lockers. But the f/r Trutracs are doing too good of a job to justify. If could do it again, I would at least gone with a Detroit in the front.

 

[delducra]

Just curious, why didn't you go with the ARB in the front too?

It was a bit cost. My only experience with a Detroit locker was in the rear end of my 70 mustang and that thing would barely unlock if the pavement was wet. Given that, I’m expecting the front to remain locked except in the most extreme turns on rock. Figure I can’t go wrong this way



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[jp360cj]

I completely understand the cost part. That's the main reason I went with the Trutracs. The axle builds nickel and dimed me to death.


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