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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: pedigo78 on December 20, 2012, 11:41:33 pm

Title: Installing a full spoon in a long bed
Post by: pedigo78 on December 20, 2012, 11:41:33 pm
I am interested in putting a full spoon in my rear end. I have been told that because my truck is a long bed during street driving I will it on turns as bad due to the amount need in slowing down. Is there any truth to this?
Title: Re: Installing a full spoon in a long bed
Post by: bluecrew on December 21, 2012, 05:49:56 am
I would try a full fork before a full spoon. 

If you mean a spool, then I would consider a selectable locker, or a limited slip locker.  A full spool will lock both tires at the exact same speed, constantly.  Even when slowing down, coasting, and backing up with a trailer.  When you turn, the same speed will push your front tires straight ahead and chirp the inner rear tire around every turn.  In the rain (or snow depending on your location) this could become dangerous (or really fun depending on your mentality level).  Also, a spool will cause faster tire wear, cops attention, and an excessive need for burn outs. 

But, most of that's up to you and your personal preferences. 

But, I could be posting already known intel.  I don't know much about spoons in rear ends! 
Title: Re: Installing a full spoon in a long bed
Post by: pholliday1 on December 21, 2012, 06:46:41 am
X2 what blue crew said what rear end is in your truck?
Title: Re: Installing a full spoon in a long bed
Post by: velojym on December 21, 2012, 03:22:12 pm
Yeah, unless it's going to be an off-road toy like a mud racer, I'd go with a beefy limited-slip, a locker that'll release (Detroit and the like), or a selectable locker.
Title: Re: Installing a full spoon in a long bed
Post by: pedigo78 on December 21, 2012, 07:54:58 pm
Ok cool and yes i meant spool not spoon, maybe i should read my post before i post them. ill look into a limited slip or selectable locker. So for the front axle what would be best. A pull cable locker, air, or electric?
Title: Re: Installing a full spoon in a long bed
Post by: bluecrew on December 21, 2012, 09:08:58 pm
Ok cool and yes i meant spool not spoon, maybe i should read my post before i post them. ill look into a limited slip or selectable locker. So for the front axle what would be best. A pull cable locker, air, or electric?
For the front, I'd go open.  Rarely would you want that front solid axle locked in.  Especially on pavement.  Sounds like this truck is for street use, right?  You might get better answers if you tell us what your driving style, conditions, axles, tire size, and whatnot.  Oh, and pictures are gonna be required of this spoon you spoke of! 


*disclaimer:  My humor doesn't translate on the internet.  I am seldom serious, seriously.
Title: Re: Installing a full spoon in a long bed
Post by: Da67goatman on December 21, 2012, 10:49:23 pm
This is a very easy decision: 

Offroad only/ dragstrip only go spool
If you want to manually select open or locked ARB or E-locker
Locked full time with slip only in turns get a detroit or powertrax
Open until spinning, get gov lok or auburn.

For the front Leave it open or if you must spend money get an e-locker or ARB because you'll never actually use it, but you can add another switch to show off.
Title: Re: Installing a full spoon in a long bed
Post by: bake74 on December 22, 2012, 04:58:01 am
Ok cool and yes i meant spool not spoon, maybe i should read my post before i post them. ill look into a limited slip or selectable locker. So for the front axle what would be best. A pull cable locker, air, or electric?
For the front, I'd go open.  Rarely would you want that front solid axle locked in.  Especially on pavement.  Sounds like this truck is for street use, right?  You might get better answers if you tell us what your driving style, conditions, axles, tire size, and whatnot.  Oh, and pictures are gonna be required of this spoon you spoke of! 


*disclaimer:  My humor doesn't translate on the internet.  I am seldom serious, seriously.

      As mentioned, front lockers are good in heavy mud, heavy/deep snow, or extreme rock climbing.  If you do any of these a selectable locker allows you engage or disengage the locker (better when driving on the street). 
     Otherwise I think you will waste your money unless you want the bragging rights.  I have used most of them and like ARB, if mounted right I have had the least amount of issues with this brand.
Title: Re: Installing a full spoon in a long bed
Post by: pedigo78 on December 22, 2012, 10:53:55 am
Well my chevy has a 14 bolt rear end and GM 10 bolt up front. I do have a limited slip in the rear but was just curious about different types of lockers. My front is open the gears look a little chewed up you will see in the photo, but they have been fixed and are fine. I will replace one day. her are some pictures. And yes it is a street and off road use vehicle sitting on 37.
Title: Re: Installing a full spoon in a long bed
Post by: Captkaos on December 23, 2012, 12:28:52 pm
Pinion bearing go out?

You don't want a locked front end on a truck that is driven on road, get a select-able locker for the front.  I recommend ARB also.
Title: Re: Installing a full spoon in a long bed
Post by: pedigo78 on December 23, 2012, 09:06:06 pm
Not sure what happened to the front exactly. Was damaged when i bought it. but inspected it and is good to go for now.