detroit or spool

[00harpdawg]

so i finally started on my yj project but i'm trying to decide if a detroit is worth the extra 400 bucks over a spool for the front axle i plan on running hydro assist on a dana 60 with 37's or 39's in a year or so i'll rip it out and do a selectable locker when the money comes around. so i just need it to last about a year. my question is will i notice a difference between the two? i know some might say just save the money and weld it but i plan on moving the front locker to the rear when i do the 35 spline shafts any help is great money is a little tight like most people but i want what works thanks Tyler

 

[Bucking Bronco]

I have to be those people but just weld-it and see how you like it. Besides you will still be scrapping the carrier and spiders when you swap out to a selectable and you can then decide if you really want to spend the money on a spool or just weld it for the rear.

 

[00harpdawg]

one other reason why i was leaning away from welding is i'm doing some 5.13 gears and i don't want to get the thick ones and my carrier now is below the case break so i need a new case

 

[Bucking Bronco]

Are you setting up the gears yourself or paying someone to do it?

 

[The Stranger]

My old truck was welded front/rear and my new one has Detroits front/rear. I think that it is certainly worth the money in the front, but I'd probably spend the money somewhere else for the rear axle and just weld/spool it.

 

[UNSTUCK]

I really like my ARB front and spool in the rear. I didn't like the loss of turning radius though. At the time, I didn't know that was a factor. Now that I'm making my rig street legal, I'm going to put a detroit in the rear. I would never spool a front axle, although many have and like it just fine.
Bottom line, start with the cheapest way to lock and go from there. Stop when you get the set up you like.

 

[Greg]

I'd suggest a Aussie Locker in the front. It won't be as harsh as a spool and it won't snap shafts, joints or hubs if it breaks, like a Detroit will. The Dana 60 Aussie Locker is beefy, you won't break it and it won't come apart & ruin your gears like a welded diff can.

Then save up for an ARB. I'm running an ARB in the front and spool in the back of my TJ and I really like that setup. I drive on the road with it every now & again and it's pretty street-friendly.

 

[1993yj]

Harper, my vote is still get the spool now, but for the rear. For the front, either lunchbox, weld, or leave it open. If you leave it open though you have to bring your own strap when you wheel with us.

 

[00harpdawg]

another thing i forgot to metion is when i put the selectable in the front i plan on moving that locker to the rear when i do the 35 spline shafts since right now the rear is only 30 spline while the front is 35 right now i'm just leaning towards the spool thanks for all your thoughts

 

[Bart]

I know I've said it before, but I'll say it again. I hate spools.

 

[I Lean]

another thing i forgot to metion is when i put the selectable in the front i plan on moving that locker to the rear when i do the 35 spline shafts since right now the rear is only 30 spline while the front is 35 right now i'm just leaning towards the spool thanks for all your thoughts

If you're going to reuse whatever you buy for the rear, then Detroit it.

 

[ChestonScout]

Detroit



With only hydro assist for steering......you are not going to be able to turn well when in 4 wheel drive. If you were going full hydro I would say you would be fine spooled or welded.

Just get a detroit and keep it up there. Selectables are cool but in my experience very unreliable. Detroit will always be there. Spool the back and call it done

 

[solidfrontaxle]

x2 on Aussie in the front

 

[Anchor_Mtn]

I run a full spool in the rear and a welded front. I hate the ratcheting action of detroits and lunchbox lockers. I have 60s with 39's and PSC hydro assist and have no complaints on road or off.

 

[1995zj]

Are you setting up the gears yourself or paying someone to do it?

We will be setting up the gears in this project ourselves. Done many sets, so not too worried there.

 

[00harpdawg]

I know I've said it before, but I'll say it again. I hate spools.

i'm the same way never been a fan but you just cannot beat the price and this is a budget jeep i rather use a spool over welding the diffs though in a year or so i'll do selectables thanks for all your info guys

 

[mbryson]

I'm running a mini-spool in my 14 bolt. I like it a lot on the trail, it's not horrible on the street but very noticeable (not that I see any street miles anyway) but it totally sucks on the ice.

 

[Jinx]

I have played with spools and while the traction is there, steering/drvieability on/off road SUCKS,

In the locker world, I can't say enough about Detroits.

You don't have to worry about compressors, air lines, etc that will keep you on the end of strap to get home if it goes out.

You can still drive it on the trail/road. It the steering bugs you too much run in two low.

They are there when you need them.

 

[cheepin]

I like spools or welded in the rear.For the front I would do a locker of some sorts.Just so you can turn while going slower.I like to run in 2low for the easier stuff and a locker lets the front roll free.A spool will make the tires drag and limit the turning radius.On my CJ-7 I had it was a big difference.I couldn't make tight turns with it in 4low.But in 2low with the locker unlocking the same corners could be done without doing a 3 point turn.It had a Detroit E-Z locker.

 

[waynehartwig]

I agree, welding is free... Then you'll know if you can live with a spool, keep it welded or upgrade to a Detroit. Either way, I woudln't buy a spool knowing you are going to a Detroit later when you can weld it now and upgrade later.

Reverse cut 5.13's only come thick in Yukon, for the 4.10 down carrier.... So that should help you out on the carrier selection....