I know this question has been asked but i couldnt find the answer. So how bad is using a spool on the street?
Everything is fine as long as you go in a straight line. It's when you go around a corner that it's horrendous! Your tires are not rotating at the same rate because of different radius's and it's like driving a 4-wheel drive truck with the front locked up on a nice, sunny day.
I have been on a spool for 15 years with little to no problems. One thing to remember is "Use your head" while you drive. If you drive like a maniac a spool is not for you.
Spool and C-clip eliminators I don't know what type rear end you are using. If it is a 12 bolt or other that uses c-clips to retain the axles, the c-clip eliminator kits use a roller bearing that is not designed for large side thrust. This means that hard cornering should be avoided. Not that you would be cornering that hard with a spool. :Brow: Just something to think about. Jim
If you weren't going to drive like a maniac, a simple open diff would work :Brow: :Brow: Actually, I know a few guys who have welded their spider gears together, which gives the same effect as having a spool. Honestly, Soem turns get a little hairy to say the least. But being very serious here, I would not run a spool or a poor man's pozi on the street. Unless your running a non-c clip stlye rearend. The first thing that will break is an axle probably when your turning. Bassically you have a good chance of losing a rear wheel while turning. You''ll be lucky not to kill someone or yourself. Keep it mind man, Stock axles are weak. It's no joke. they are intended for race only for a few reaons.
Its a 12 bolt open-with spool, c-clip w/488 gears- and cornering wont be in my plans - just an occasional drive to autozone or work
I have had several cars with spools in the past. (I prefer the "positive posi" of a spool over a regular posi anyday) However... you MUST be aware at all times that the spool is ready to grenade your rear end, and/or make you lose traction going around corners. Drive carefully, and keep the spool in the FRONT of your mind the whole time your driving on the street. Just going around a gentle curve on the highway at 55 MPH when it's wet out can make you slide sideways and wreck. Think about how "slippery" your car feels while doing a burnout with a posi rear end. Thats the same exact thing thats happening every time your turn a corner with a spool. Besides being very dangerous, they are also very hard on your rear end components and rear tires. But with all that said.... I still prefer them. :laugh:
spool? From what I gathered you are saying you have a mini spool four blocks right? These are ok for a dirt track an once and awhile street drive to a cruise . rain is a definet no no with these items add freeway driving and rain and see you in a ditch... axles like to break too . The heavier the car the more torsion twist on that axle around a corner...esspecially on a slow tight corner. actually breaking the tire loose on turns is better for all the componets it take off the tension on all the parts. just something to help you make your parts last longer...from experience. parking spots too. next time you park your car in your yard turn the car like your going into a walmart spot and then park it. now go to the garage get your floor jack and raise the car by the differentail in the middle. the instant the weight is taken off the whell watch them break loose and turn ...all that tension is on the axles--ouch. just something to think about. You can do what you want, just so you know the what trouble may or may not lye ahead. Good luck with what ever you do and stay safe. Jim
Thanks Guys, Based on this valuable information and my desire to do a little street cruising, I think i'll past on the spool
Stay away from wet weather and you'll be ok . I put a 72 8.5 in a 86 Pontiac GP with a mini spool and it went a 1 1/2 years with no problems. The motor blew so when he took out the 400 and put back in the 305, he took out the mini spool and tossed back in the spider gears. It was an easy change since he didn't have to change out the carriers. Running a mini spool means you stay away from wet weather driving, you take it easy in the coners, and leave the sticky tire off unless you plan on being "serious" and doing a little racing. For the occasional driving your talking about and as cheep as mini-spools are, I'd do it. Even if you do manage to break an axle, they are cheep to replace. I feel it would be better if you had c-clip eliminators or a 10 bolt with the axle retainer plates. It retains the axles in case of a break. If you don't like the mini-spool, just swap it out and put the spider gears back in. Just my point of view....
that $450 powertrac they installed on HP TV was neat. No special tools needed, not a spool replacement but a spider gear replacement. Real easy in the drive way, few hr swap. Makes the car Posi while going straight but still acts like a peg leg when you turn. They put it in a wagon so it can take some abuse.
Thats funny. The guy I know who welded his spider gears snapped his axle when he was going 10 mph, turning on a side street. Its funny the look he had on his face when he was being passed by his own tire. Not to mention he was getting very pissed since the spool was tearing up his driveway...
