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Mini Spool

carpeonnel

carpeonnel

1/2 ton status
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Sylvester, Georgia
got presented with the oppurtunity to buy a mini spool for my 14bff and I don't know much about them. My 14 is open right now and have been trying to save up for a new detroit, but I can buy the minispool for $80. The spool is used, it was in his 3/4 ton for 6 months or so before he parted out. But what is the difference between a minispool and locker? Pros and cons compared to a detroit? Do you think it would be worthwhile?
 
A mini is similar to a lunch box locker, goes inside the carrier. The 14ff is the only exception, where a full detroit goes inside the carrier.

The detroit will ratchet around corners, making it a little easier to steer and easier on tire than the mini.

Mini spool pro - cheap, con - tire wear.

Detroit pro works everytime offroad, limited on road. con - cost more, probably worth it in the long run.

Depends how much you wheel and street usage.

I am biased as I use a detroit. Wouldn't change it, but it's already paid for
 
How much street driving are you going to do. If you do a fair amount of street driving then a Detroit is probably a better idea but if you don't do much street driving and the truck mostly sees offroad then get the minispool.

Harley
 
I think the mini's are cheaper than the full spools. So that brings up another question to those that know....what's the difference between the full or mini spool. I know the full spool replaces the carrier but if you were going to be swapping gears anyway why not just go full spool? wouldn't it have a strength advantage over the mini.
 
mtnman210 said:
I think the mini's are cheaper than the full spools. So that brings up another question to those that know....what's the difference between the full or mini spool. I know the full spool replaces the carrier but if you were going to be swapping gears anyway why not just go full spool? wouldn't it have a strength advantage over the mini.
Click to expand...

The difference is that a full spool is exactly like you said, the mini just goes in and locks the axle shafts together, I don't believe it actually attaches to anything other than the shafts. Basically a throw in, slide the shafts in type of deal. With thinking on the differences, it would seem to me that if a mini-failed, the carnage would be a lot less than a full spool, but a mini would be more prone to failure. That's just what I think about it. I do know that when it comes to high performance rigs that use spools, they'll use a full spool over a mini. I have a full spool sitting out in the garage that one day will go into my truck. It looks like a failure would bring ultimate carnage, but then again it's a Mark Williams spool, so I don't think I'll break it.
 
A full spool should be stronger then a mini you are correct. Minis drop in though and are cheaper and easier if your not regearing. With the strength of a 14bff carrier though a mini isn't much of a strength compromise compared to a full spool. In other axles it is definitly better to go full spool instead of mini.

The strongest option for the 14bff is the full spool followed up closely by mini, good welded, detroit, .......

Harley
 
Bubba Ray Boudreaux said:
The difference is that a full spool is exactly like you said, the mini just goes in and locks the axle shafts together, I don't believe it actually attaches to anything other than the shafts. Basically a throw in, slide the shafts in type of deal. With thinking on the differences, it would seem to me that if a mini-failed, the carnage would be a lot less than a full spool, but a mini would be more prone to failure. That's just what I think about it. I do know that when it comes to high performance rigs that use spools, they'll use a full spool over a mini. I have a full spool sitting out in the garage that one day will go into my truck. It looks like a failure would bring ultimate carnage, but then again it's a Mark Williams spool, so I don't think I'll break it.
Click to expand...

The 14bff mini spools have the 4 pins that go into the crossshaft holes in the carrier so it doesn't just float freely in your carrier. Most other spools for smaller axles only have 2 points of attachment cause they only have the 1 main crosspin.

Harley
 
Here is the 14bff minispool. It is pretty beef.

HPIM0085.JPG


Harley
 
Here is a pic of normal full and minispools. As you can see the full spool bolts to the ring gear and is the strongest option. The only thing that connects the mini spools to the carrier in normal axles beside the 14bff is the single crosspin. So you are totally relying on that one pin to transfer all the power to the axles. The 14bff minispool has 4 pins so double the contact area.

Fullcase lockers are stronger then lunchbox lockers for the same reason.

spools_f_m.jpg


Harley
 
Here is a picture of the Yukon full spool I have in my K5. No way it will break. I am sure you would break an axle shaft before anything else.

16484spool.jpg
 
Well, my blazer is pretty much a daily driver as well as my offroad vehicle so I guess I'll probably go with a detroit. I'll just keep saving money
 
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