I'm finally in the process of swapping out the D30 on my CJ for a Waggy D44. The guy I bought this jeep from a couple years ago had welded the spiders up front and it's mini-spooled in the rear. My question is: what's everybody's preference for a locker in the front. Don't want to go the ARB rout cause I don't have the $$ and don't really want to mess w/air right now either. As the gears were welded before, I don't really see a problem with just dropping a mini-spool in now. Obviously it doesn't steer super well :D but I'm used to that anyway. Any major problems w/a mini spool up front?

I'd hate to steer that thing. Especially backing up. Wouldn't it just drag the tires?

i'll let ya know in the next few weeks..

If you are already used to the shitty steering when welded up, I don't think a spool is going to be any different.

yeah... I'm already used to pulling an Austin Powers to make U-turn :D ... so other than steering issues, are there any good reasons not to put the spool up front? (ie: strength? or...?)

I hope you save some $$$ for the U-joints and axles you will break!

Originally posted by Balsax
I hope you save some $$$ for the U-joints and axles you will break!

While that can be true, it also depends on how you drive. I run a full spool in a 44 in a Fullsize Bronco and I havn't gone broke (yet) replacing axles and u-joints. I have had a few breaks and thats why I looking to upgrade.

that's why I'm asking this question. I ran a D30 welded up for over a year and a 1/2 w/no problems until I finally broke a u-joint this past winter. If I can run like that w/out many problems, I would think that w/a D44, moser custom axles, and bigger 297x joints it shouldn't be any different than before?

Just weld it up.... Dont spend the cash on the spool!! Weld it up then hit the bar with the cash you saved and have a :beer:..... :flipoff2: :flipoff2:

I wheeled my BroncoII for quite a while with them welded front and rear, it still seemed to turn just fine offroad, just a little heavier than before. Of course I broke shafts.. but with a dana 28, its gonna happen with the power I had no matter what..

if you or somone you know can do a good job of welding it then just weld it and spend the $$ towards gears or spare shafts etc

yeah... that's the thing... I'm not nearly confident enough to weld that up.... and don't even know anybody good enough... so this is my next best bet

If your going to buy a spool get a full spool that way you eliminate the internals and it will be stronger, I have a full spool in my D44 and love it but yep its hard on axles, or that could be a little bit because of my right foot weighs 10 pounds heavier than the left..Hmm

If your going to buy a spool get a full spool that way you eliminate the internals and it will be stronger, I have a full spool in my D44 and love it but yep its hard on axles, or that could be a little bit because of my right foot weighs 10 pounds heavier than the left..Hmm
dude, you should read the post date on things you reply to. this thread is over 2 years old.

Haha... go figure. You know, I was about to respond to this until I read the last post. Where did you even FIND this thread?

Hans

MY bad, I was just up late searching broncoII builds and thought I'd make a response, so tired I didn't even notice the date sorry..

well Im building an sas on my dakota, all the guys told me not to go with the dana 44 but thats a ok axle that doesnt weigh a million pounds. I do have a full spool in it (I know its stupid,Cuz it wont steer, but I wanna see what shell do for me . Total 4x4, not this bullshit of 2 or 3 tires spinnin)

If your gonna spool it , just go full spool. its less parts that will break for the money

I have a 44 in the front of my ranger, full spool with hydro assist and steers just like its on the street :flipoff2: