[92GA]

I'd stay away from the spacer too, if you're running slicks. Seen lots of ring gear bolts broken with those things. 40 years ago I was running a 69 Camaro with a 4 speed and used ring gear spacers in my 12 bolt. I broke at least 3 sets of ring gear bolts, from 3 differant manufactures. Switched to a 4 series carrier, problem solved.

[71 Ventura II]

Another issue when running a spool on the street: If you do any highway driving where there are grooves/ruts in the asphault from big trucks be CAREFULL because the spool will cause unexpected lane changes! You will feel it pushing you.

Parking is always a concern because you are binding the axles. JD

[Region Warrior]

Dont cheap out, get the Eaton.
If you break that, need a stronger rear end to begin with.

Know 2 guys with Brute Strengh's that run mid 9's for yrs.

I have one with 4.11.s
Really want 3.55's in my current 70% street/25 strip car.
My racing buddy since the 70's(also runs 9's), and builds BIG power stuff for $ guys says DONT spacer it if your gon'a hook.
Make room for taller tires.

[thirdgen455]

Car still have sway bars? You could set it up like mine and not need a posi at all.

[andrewT]

Originally Posted by Region Warrior

Dont cheap out, get the Eaton.
If you break that, need a stronger rear end to begin with.

Know 2 guys with Brute Strengh's that run mid 9's for yrs.

I have one with 4.11.s
Really want 3.55's in my current 70% street/25 strip car.
My racing buddy since the 70's(also runs 9's), and builds BIG power stuff for $ guys says DONT spacer it if your gon'a hook.
Make room for taller tires.

Are the Brute Strengths a Posi or locker, or something like the true-trac?
Now that I have done more reading everything I see about the true trac in a street/strip environment is negative!

Originally Posted by thirdgen455

Car still have sway bars? You could set it up like mine and not need a posi at all.

it has both front and rear but they will be coming off and I will be putting in anti roll when the rear one comes off. Please explain though; you have piqued my interest.

[Region Warrior]

Andrew, its an Eaton type posi.
Supposed to have stronger case and guts.
Made by Moroso. How knows, maybe just a reboxed Eaton???
Never seen one apart.

[andrewT]

Originally Posted by Region Warrior

Andrew, its an Eaton type posi.
Supposed to have stronger case and guts.
Made by Moroso. How knows, maybe just a reboxed Eaton???

Thanks Mike

I have read guys saying that the clutch packs on the brute strength are so tight they chatter going around turns like a locker.

[Skip Fix]

They also make a thin gear 12 bolt 3 series to use on a 4 series posi/spool. Had to get one for the 3.73 and the spool in the Camaro/IA project 12 bolt.

[Old Man Taylor]

Originally Posted by andrewT

Thanks Mike

I have read guys saying that the clutch packs on the brute strength are so tight they chatter going around turns like a locker.

Mine does not chatter going around corners. The only way I'm aware of that will cause that is not using the correct oil in the differential.

[Gas455]

Is there much difference in driving with a detroit locker on the street and a spool??

My '60 has a 9" with a locker...and the '57 I'm building will be using the original 57-64 diff with 35 spline and a spool.

The '60 has been street driven for over 10 years...just fitted power steer this year.

Have never driven with a spool.

[Tom Vaught]

We ran Brute Strength stuff in a 64 GTO in 1971 in the low 11s. Never had an issue
once we installed the GM "service pack" axles to go with the rear.

Always liked that rear when it was set up properly.

Had a few friends wreck their late 60s Mustangs when they tried to run spools and slicks on the street.

A Ford 9" allows you to have a pig set up for a STREET gear/ Posi and a RACE pig set up with a spool and the right Drag Gears for your track (say an 1/8th mile deal).

Tom Vaught

ps Spending money several times to "save" money the first time is primarily due to inexperience. Some times you just have to bite the bullet and buy the good stuff initially.

[andrewT]

Originally Posted by Tom Vaught

ps Spending money several times to "save" money the first time is primarily due to inexperience. Some times you just have to bite the bullet and buy the good stuff initially.

I hope thats not directed at me. My buddy with a fox body has been doing everything twice because a) he is in a rush and b) he is so cheap because well he heas no money really.

I am the guy who always preaches about doing it right the first time, and I always do (everything I have put on my car so far is QUALITY) but before I put the money down I always rethink it about 50 times, before my wallet gets much lighter

[Tom Vaught]

Originally Posted by andrewT

I hope thats not directed at me. My buddy with a fox body has been doing everything twice because a) he is in a rush and b) he is so cheap because well he heas no money really.

I am the guy who always preaches about doing it right the first time, and I always do (everything I have put on my car so far is QUALITY) but before I put the money down I always rethink it about 50 times, before my wallet gets much lighter

In no way was directed at you.

The average inexperienced guy is different from the "Guy who is in a Rush" or the "Cheap Guy". Sometimes you get both (like your buddy) in one package.

The difference is: over time the inexperienced guy will learn and will make sound decisions. The "Guy who is in a Rush" or the "Cheap Guy" will not change over time.

Tom Vaught

[andrewT]

Originally Posted by Tom Vaught

In no way was directed at you.

The average inexperienced guy is different from the "Guy who is in a Rush" or the "Cheap Guy". Sometimes you get both (like your buddy) in one package.

The difference is: over time the inexperienced guy will learn and will make sound decisions. The "Guy who is in a Rush" or the "Cheap Guy" will not change over time.

Tom Vaught

Np Tom. regardless I knew you were just giving advice. My buddies all rip on me for being stingy and thinking through my purchases like mad, but I think its a decent quality.

[ponjohn]

IF you're admitting to driving it in the rain stop right there, get a posi.

If you can guarantee no wet weather driving run a spool.

[Region Warrior]

Hey, i resemble those remarks!

[Pearlbluebird]

Nothing wrong with taking time and thinking things through. My parts guy I deal with knows I'll research something to death as well. I'll be the first guy to admit I don't know evrything but I enjoy learning as I go.

[tininjun67]

comparing the locker to a spool, they are not the same. the locker is pretty user friendly once you get used to it, especially the newer ones. I drove a 68 mustang not long ago that had an original locker in it, and had a lot of people ask me what was wrong with the car and why was the rear end clunking so much. i don't have much experience with spools on the street, but loved my locker and wouldn't waste my time with a posi if I could get a locker for the application. no additives and no clutches to wear.

[Dragncar]

Well, do not do it. I have a story and paid the price and it could have been a lot worse.
My car was a 12 flat car at the time, pump gas 455.
9" with 3 link, billet axles, factory N case and all the good stuff. I broke a factory Ford clutch posi then bought a "good" Detroit Locker. Broke it too. It did not last as long as the factory Ford piece. (it came out of a late 60s 428CJ Cyclone I believe)
Put the spool in and would drive it back and fourth to the track only. I had some tall pickup mud and snow tires I put on the back to do this.
I was late going to the track as usual and went to pass this slow car. Now my car has LOTS of passing power so I went for the pass even though there was some coastal fog patches here and there.I had time if everyone was going normal speeds.
I went for the pass on a long straight stretch but there was some fog about a 1/4 mile in front. When I was side by side with the car I was passing this car came out of the fog bank coming right at me and it had to be going 90 mph. I still had plenty of time right. So I let off the gas, waited for the car I was passing to go by, gently eased back and tapped the brake.
I have 4" skinnys up front and when I tapped the brakes it was like they were roller skates. The back tires wanted to be up front now and I went into a long skid going about 70mph turning to my right. The car went through gravel and rocks along railroad tracks, the sound was horrible. Big rocks as big as your fist and bigger went flying. The front end spun one full turn, then came around again. The car hit the upside of the railroad track burm and spun around like a top in a 360.
The back tires were right in the middle of the railroad tracks, dust still frying around and the dick that came at me doing 90 flew on by, never stopped to see if I was alright.

Now, mind you my car was almost ready for painting. AND it was the last race of the season and I was in second place just a few points back. My perfect unmolested front bumper (69 GTO) had a wow in it. My 2 front fenders that we just finnished doing a near all steel body work that had a perfect alingment with the perfect front bumper were curled in on the bottom. My 3 link was knocked 12" sideways and junk. Both rear tires "broke". My skinny Weld rims were bent. And one of my outside rear axle bearing outer race was shattered. (but the Mark Williams billet axles were not touched, they are the beast made!)
And if went to the other side of the road would have rolled the car many times and would not be here. There were power poles on the other side too,they just stopped to the right side where I went out.
Its kind of a long story and I am sorry. But do not do it.
It was the worst mistake I have ever made in my Hot Rod world.The bumper is still not right (anyone know of a good 69) The fenders are still not right. I could have died.
And I am a very good driver on a race track and on the street. Never wrecked at the track and never have had a real accident or DUI on the street.
I should never had tried the pass and never should have had a spool with 4" tires up front. I have driven it home during rain outs and it was all good. But once skinny fronts brake loose and you have a spool you had better grab on hard because you are not in control anymore.
Well now I have a much better Alston in the car and the rear end is to the point where I cannot hurt it. But my pal that did the great bodywork got fired from our job and he is gone.
When I was installing the new 3 link I still found rocks jammed in under the frame.
That and the sounds and smell of it all was the worst.
Do not do it.
My brother was behind me just a click, with the truck, gas, race stuff and all that towing his race car .He stopped to get more fuel. He drove by and there was still dust in the air, surreal.
He lent me his car for the day, but I still took 2nd place.
NO spools on the street OK.

[Old Man Taylor]

Hey Guy - It has been a long time. Too bad PDD is dead. How's the "Orange Pumpkin"?