Re: Locker \"VS\" Spool
the problem is that when you ARE locked in at the hubs and t-case, you'll find it even harder to make turns... especially in the mud, soft sand, etc... even with the tires turned full lock, your only going to get limited turning. AND with a spool in the front, as soon as you lock your front hubs, you'll have the same problems, 2 or 4 wd regardless.
An automatic locker is much less noticable in 2wd with the hubs locked. its there, but not really, just makes you turn the wheel alittle harder. When you have an mechanical locker in the front, and the hubs are engadged, but the t-case is in 2wd, the slowest tire determines what speed the front driveshaft turns, the faster wheel does what its supposed to and unlocks from the drive... Therefor, the only noticable affect is minimal, and due to spinning the driveshaft, but it'll always be on the inside wheel. When you engadge 4wd, the driveshaft's speed is no longer determinded by the wheel, its determined by the t-case. The understeer is caused because the inner wheel is trying to turn at the same speed as the rear inner wheel, and on a soft surface this is ok, the tires slip and slide some, and you just have to plan on wider turns, but only the inner wheel is trying to go straight. If you had a spool in the front, both front tires would be turning the same speed as each other, and if you also had a spool in the rear, all four tires would be going the same speed, at that point, your front wheels are as effective at turning the jeep as a boat's rudder, while its on the trailer.
Florida Mud CJ-5
'77 RB304, t-150 D20 4" 35" swampers
