$65. Mini spool, will it work up front?

WE WERE JUST SITTING AROUND TALTING ABOUT LOCKERS AND GOT TO WONDERING HOW WELL A MINI-SPOOL LOCKER WOULD WORK UP FRONT, SO I ORDERED ONE (LINK BELOW). INSTALLED IT AND GAVE IT A LITTLE SHAKE DOWN RUN. IT WORKS GREAT, BUT ALSO HAS A FEW DRAW BACKS. would recommend hydro assist steering, I'll be doing that in the future. #chevy #4x4 #offroad #squarebody #4x4build #dana44 #minispool #locker
Amazon mini spool locker;
a.co/d/hmDjUit
QUESTIONS, IDEAS OR CONCERNS, PLEASE EMAIL US AT;
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@farm10customs

[@aztecahernandez6539]

Nice, sweet and cheap. And strong. Cheers buddy.

[@Farm10customs]

Thanks my friend. That’s exactly what I was looking for. And it works too as long as you have power steering and maybe even hydro assist.

[@Robsksas]

youll have the same steering issues with a lunchbox locker too. I just do the one locked hub trick until I absolutely need full lock. this is why the selectable lockers got so popular.

[@Farm10customs]

I totally agree with you my friend. Thats how I’ve been doing it too. I’m definitely going to do hydro assist to help with that problem.

[@MrMattpedo90]

What leaf springs and shocks are you running? Any lift? Thanks!

[@Farm10customs]

Hi there. I did the 52”/56” spring swap. Both sets are rear spring packs. The front, 52” springs came off the rear of my k20, these rear springs are off the rear of an 88’ 3/4 ton suburban. I used every other spring in the pack, 3 springs in total also used the overload springs as a zero rate spring. This setup is about 3-4”. I would consider using 4 leafs in each pack front and rear. It rides really good with 3 but the springs seem to be a little too flat. The shocks are 4-5” lifted Rough Country N3. Front and rear. I have links in the video description. I hope this is helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[@shawnmcglynn7406]

Totally unrelated but what headlights were you running on the snow wheeling shakedown run? Thanks

[@Farm10customs]

Thanks for asking. My next video is about those headlights, it’ll be out on the 15th. Thanks for watching my friend. here’s the link, www.amazon.com/dp/B08LH1KCWR/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_1X0WDEZX0NKXSWG7FDDJ?linkCode=ml2&tag=farm10customs-20

[@christianfulcher9729]

I took a g80 from a 90s s10 and put it in my front axle of my 89 2500 suburban with a 10 bilt and with running 37s iv yet to have issues and have been running it for years with no problems

[@Farm10customs]

Thank you for sharing, That is a great budget friendly upgrade, I love it. The real truth about D44 and 10 bolt front differentials are they both share similar flaws (which I think are intentional) the axle shafts in both differentials have a weak area next to the inner splines. And both are built very similarly into much that the knuckles are even interchangeable, nothing else. I recently went out to put it to the test. I did struggle a bit with the spool in the turns which I expected especially without hydro assist (coming soon) but I had issues that led to me braking an inner axle (where I mentioned above). I don’t think you will have any more issues than the guy with a 44. I’m obviously going to upgrade my axles since I have to replace a broken one that’s going to eliminate that weak point. Thank you for watching and sharing ideas. Enjoy the ride my friend

[@timleonard86]

Damn if you gotta do all that work might as well go full spool free up some power

[@Farm10customs]

I know, right? But I was going for a low buck build. After really using the truck, I’ve decided that a spartan locker would be money better well spent. The spool works well but it is harder to steer even with hydro steering. Thanks for checking in with us my friend

[@GenerationX1971]

Have you considered a beefier diff cover since it’s able to get hit by rocks and other stuff? With the cross over it leaves it open for damage. My K5 has a very similar setup and was thinking about making some type of guard for the cover. Had a friend of mine damage his crossing a creek. Stock ones have some meat to them but you just never know.

[@Farm10customs]

Yes I’ve actually been considering getting the “Motobilt” diff cover, they are very heavy duty, But I need to upgrade the axles and install hydro steering, before I replace the covers. I’ve been trying to put the cash where it counts. Thank you, I appreciate your thoughts on this.

[@GenerationX1971]

@@Farm10customs same here. I usually get my stuff from Diy4x. I did have to upgrade my brake system with a hydro-boost set up after going to a Dana 60. Tossing around the idea of some aftermarket axles for our 79 k20. Still has a Dana 44 in it. Keep up the good work 👍

[@Farm10customs]

DIY4x has a lot of great stuff. Upgrading to a Dana 60 is definitely the way to go. I would love to upgrade to a 60 but I’ve other things I have to do first, I guess I’m just too cheap, hahaha.

[@GenerationX1971]

@@Farm10customs I hear ya there. My K5 only has a 60 because I purchased someone else’s project they got tired of. Our K20 still has its Dana 44. Thought about just saving up for some affordable aftermarket axles for it.

[@Farm10customs]

Yeah. That’s where I’m at right now. I recently broke my right front axle and need to replace it with some Chromoly axles. But have other projects too. There’s just never enough money for off-road parts. 😝

[@benkanobe7500]

I have a '96 3/4 ton (K2500) 4X4 Suburban 8600GVW, 7.4 (454), auto, with front IRS. Will this fit in my diff? I think my gears are 4:10. My truck is completely stock including auto front hubs. Do I need to put manual hubs on? If so which are the good ones? Thanks!

[@Farm10customs]

I’m not sure about the locker fitment. I would definitely do more research on that one. I’m not sure about putting a mini spool in your suburban. A lot depends on how much street driving you’re going to be doing. I would recommend a little lunchbox locker (spartan or similar) for your application and that’s still going to create a little bit of steering issues though. Locking hubs are the best way to go with most lockers but in your case, a 96’ with independent front suspension, it’s very expensive to convert them over, hub adapter kit. It might be worth looking into doing a solid axle swap if this is your dream machine. This mini spool I installed in my pickup definitely has its place ( off road), With the hubs locked in it is very hard to steer on “any” hard surfaces and it’s also hard my front end parts. I hope this is helpful. Enjoy the outdoors my friend