Ford 8 inch posi - trac lok : install a mini spool?

[Crosley.In.AZ]

I have a munched up posi section.  Teeth on friction torn up.  Only 2 frictions in this unit

Can a mini spool be installed in this Ford carrier?  I've never used a mini spool.  Would install a fresh cross shaft at same time

Low HP car.  my Falcon with inline 6 power, C4 trans, drag radial tires

[enjenjo]

Posi spider gears are the same as open spider gears, so a mini spool should fit. You may have to shim the side gear with the clutch pack for a tight fit on the spider gears.

[Crosley.In.AZ]

Posi spider gears are the same as open spider gears, so a mini spool should fit. You may have to shim the side gear with the clutch pack for a tight fit on the spider gears.

if I install a mini spool, the side gears and clutch pak stuff are removed?

[tomslik]

cros, you're SUPPOSED to run aftermarket axles with a spool or minispools
don't know how picky your track is...the minis are actually made for dirt track cars
I ran a lenco minispool setup back in the late 70's in a 12 bolt with no problem with the stock axles, it was a 3500 lb chevelle (with me in it)  396/4speed...rand mid 12's...

[tomslik]

Posi spider gears are the same as open spider gears, so a mini spool should fit. You may have to shim the side gear with the clutch pack for a tight fit on the spider gears.

if I install a mini spool, the side gears and clutch pak stuff are removed?

yes

[enjenjo]

Posi spider gears are the same as open spider gears, so a mini spool should fit. You may have to shim the side gear with the clutch pack for a tight fit on the spider gears.

if I install a mini spool, the side gears and clutch pak stuff are removed?

Tom is correct on the most common type of mini spool, all the internal parts are removed. There is another type that is basically just square spider gears, with that type the side gear are retained, and shimmed tight.

[chimp koose]

You would have a hard time breaking a mini spool with your current drive train. I have seen the pin break in a mini spool application but that was with a falcon with big sticky tires a clutch and a rabid cleveland.X2 on the need for aftermarket axles .I caution that I would expect your car to slow down with a spool in it .

[tomslik]

why would the car slow down?
I've heard this before but nobody has explained it to me why...
unless the housing is bent,i guess

[Crosley.In.AZ]

Here is what I have learned...  the carrier I have is called an "equa-lok"  that uses  5 tab steels.

This is an early version with some parts no longer available : such as the conical springs.  My unit has two of this springs in it, I believe to tighten the clutches up since they are worn out

[chimp koose]

A spool is only a good choice if you can grenade a posi. Ever try to push a car with a spool? Even a slight turn of the wheel and it gets really hard to move as one tire is now scrubbing. As you go down the track any wobbles that are corrected are like a light tap on the brakes. If you leave the line with a small amount of wheel spin it does not make as much difference but if you hook up hard on the launch it will make a difference when steering corrections are made.

[wayne petty]

Here is what I have learned...  the carrier I have is called an "equa-lok"  that uses  5 tab steels.

This is an early version with some parts no longer available : such as the conical springs.  My unit has two of this springs in it, I believe to tighten the clutches up since they are worn out

how about contacting century spring in los angeles.. they have an amazing number of springs of all shapes in stock and can make specials really easily..

and i totally agree that the racing style  of driving on the track needs to be modified with a spool...

if you get crossed up.. shove it in neutral the instant you get crossed up.. don't wait a split second..  don't wait for the engine to start to slow down and propel the car into the guardrails..

and i know that your car does  not have a  lot of power.. and that you have years of experience.. i am actually stating this as a learning for all the forum members who only sometimes drag race..

why do i feel qualified .. i used to work as a race starter at a so cal drag strip.  and i have had a brand new top fuel dragster crash right in front of me while i was the starter..  i was leaning in to give him the shut off signal. but he did not look my way..  it ended up in a massive law suit that almost changed motor racing..

[Crosley.In.AZ]

Hi Wayne.  

I was not too clear: I dont need conical springs.  this unit has 2 in it.  I think only 1 is needed as designed.

I learned to day the frictions are the same as Cast iron cruise-O transmission frictions.  So, I have frictions.  

I need to machine a spacer to tighten up the clutch pack with only one conical spring in it.  Long story , hard to explain why I do not want to run 2 springs as the unit had:  Friction teeth jumps off teeth of matching driven side gear

[Beck]

Are you dedicated to the 8" rear housing?
It may be time for an 8.8 axle swap. Explorer axles are cheap with posi and are not expensive or hard to narrow 3".

[chimp koose]

Good suggestion Beck.With the higher pinion placement the 8.8 is more efficient than the 8" . I used to think the 8.8 was weak,but after 4 seasons of wheels up 1.26-1.34 sec 60' launches in the 3700# race wagon I now have  respect for them.

[Crosley.In.AZ]

yes, 8 inch differential  will stay in the car.  Too easy for gear ratio change on 8 inch  ,  IF I need to change gear ratio.   I have 3 center sections.  Although one is now empty since I sold the gear set

I now have 4.11 trac-loc  and the 3.55 equa-loc center sections