Mini spool?

[Mr. VanDii]

I looking for traction on my "do everything" f150 and have decided that a spool with a 4.88 gear is the way to go when I swap in the Ford 9".at that point, I'll be running 35" tires. Possibly with some beefier axles.

Currently, I have the ol' 8.8, 3.55 gears, and 33" tires with stock axles. And would like to finagle with it for fun. I found out that I have very little knowledge of what and how when it comes to axles. So I beg of thee, GFB, bestow upon me the knowledge of thine axle.

[baja-chris]

Mini spool not strong enough for full size truck. Get a real spool and at a minimum get some 35 spline axles. Just my opinion.

[SteveG]

Agreed. Until you can step up, leave the 33's on there.

[yikes]

Throw a lunchbox locker in there with the 33's until you step up. Lots of fun and won't break the bank. Ran one for years with 33's.

[Mr. VanDii]

So the lunchbox should be a fun mod for now with the 8.8. I assume that I can get 35 spline axles when I grab my 9" from the salvage yard and start building.

Now, what about the front end? I hear an auto locker is the way to go, as I have locking hubs. However, I'd like to keep it cheap. With locking hubs, would a spool work?

[snowman429]

You don't want a spool in the front. I welded the front of my bronco as a temp repair. When the hubs are locked you won't turn and you will break stuff. My opinion, put a limited slip in the front. I really don't see the need for a front locker unless you're rock crawling.

[Mr. VanDii]

I am doing a good mix of rock crawling, trail driving, and aggressive go-fast-ing. I do have a limited slip up front now, and it is nice. I haven't had issues from it yet. Of course its a fairly mild truck and I haven't pushed it too hard yet.

[snowman429]

If it was me i would stick with the limited slip. When i finally get my bronco back in the road it will be open in the front and locked in the rear.

[Nick]

I like an open front end. I have a detroit in the rear, and most everything i do is in 2wd.

[Mr. VanDii]

Can I get a 35 spline in a 9"? I just did some looking and it's hard to find. Would 35" tires be harmful on a 31 spline ford 9" with a spool?

I found some 35 and 40 spline axles from Currie Enterprises as well as some axle assemblies, but then we're stepping into the world of expensive stuff again.

[hobbyturnedobsession]

I ran a 9" 31 spline with a Detroit. Never had an axle issue. Actually never had any issue. The only weak link I've heard of on a 9" is the 3rd member case. Go get a nodular. I have only heard of two axles breaking on a 31 spline 9" prerunner. I ran a limited slip up front and would piss jeep guys off 4 wheeling.

[mustube]

I have a NASCAR Detroit locker from eBay in my rear axle. It works awesome.