need some definitions please
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,391
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From: Newark, DE
Car: '86 Camaro, '02 WRX, '87 K5, '67
Engine: 350 TPI, 2.0turbo, 383 in the works, 289-4BBL, 232, A-head 4-cylinder
Transmission: T56, 5-speed, 700R4, C4, T176, semi-auto 2-speed
Axle/Gears: 3.73, 3.90, 4.88, 3.55, 3.54, 7.00
A min spool installs into an open carrier where the spiders gears were from the factory. It is a simple device that locks the axels together permenantly. This allows for no differentiation, meaning that both wheels will turn at the same speed no matter what. These are great for drag racing on a budget, but a terrible idea for a street car. The car will not be able to make tight turns, and could easily break an axel.
A full spool replaces the carrier entirely. Otherwise it acts exactly like the min spool, except that it is stronger, and lighter than the min spool plus the stock open carrier.
A Detroit Locker is a replacement carrier that acts like a spool when the car is moving in a straight line. When the wheels begin to turn at different rates, as when moving around a corner, the rear unlocks, alllowing for different tire speeds and smooth cornering. Detroits are brutally strong, yet still streetable. They do produce a clang or bang sound when locking and unlocking, which some people find objectionable compared to a "posi", which tend to be totally silent in operation. I run one in my Blazer for great off-road traction, since that is mostly how the truck is used. It is still perfectly civilized on the street, and the stereo is alwasy too loud to hear the rear lock and unlock anyway!
I run a Power Lock in my Camaro, which is basically to a Detroit Locker what a mini spool is to a full spool. The Power Lock installs in the open carrier, and acts like a Detroit Locker. It isn't as strong as a Detroit, nor is it as expensive. I did this because eventually I will be swapping to a 9" rear and wanted to make sure that the locker would be liveable in the car from a handling standpoint, since I autocross and SCCA race the car. No complaints, and when I swap to the 9" it will have a real deal Detroit Locker in it.
A full spool replaces the carrier entirely. Otherwise it acts exactly like the min spool, except that it is stronger, and lighter than the min spool plus the stock open carrier.
A Detroit Locker is a replacement carrier that acts like a spool when the car is moving in a straight line. When the wheels begin to turn at different rates, as when moving around a corner, the rear unlocks, alllowing for different tire speeds and smooth cornering. Detroits are brutally strong, yet still streetable. They do produce a clang or bang sound when locking and unlocking, which some people find objectionable compared to a "posi", which tend to be totally silent in operation. I run one in my Blazer for great off-road traction, since that is mostly how the truck is used. It is still perfectly civilized on the street, and the stereo is alwasy too loud to hear the rear lock and unlock anyway!
I run a Power Lock in my Camaro, which is basically to a Detroit Locker what a mini spool is to a full spool. The Power Lock installs in the open carrier, and acts like a Detroit Locker. It isn't as strong as a Detroit, nor is it as expensive. I did this because eventually I will be swapping to a 9" rear and wanted to make sure that the locker would be liveable in the car from a handling standpoint, since I autocross and SCCA race the car. No complaints, and when I swap to the 9" it will have a real deal Detroit Locker in it.
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