Hey i was just wondering i have a 77 ford F150 4x4 and it has a Dana 44 up front. My question is can i lock up the front with a spool? Cant afford a Detroit locker And i dont know how many splines my axels are. And in the rear i have a 9inch rear. Wanting to lock that up also in the future. Will it be street-able with it locked up? Any help is well appreciated. Thanks

 

Yes, it will be streetable with a spool for the most part. In most occasions, you are driving on the street withouth 4wd engaged and with the front hubs not locked in. Like this, you woun't even know it's spooled. However, anytime the front hubs are locked in, then you will feel the effects of the spool. In a straight line you won't feel anything, but when turning you will feel it.

If you are concerned about spooling, you may opt for a "lunchbox" style locker. Aussie, Lock Right, and Eaton all make these among others. They work similar to a Detroit locker in that they allow one wheel to spin at a different speed than the other around corners. The main difference is that a Detroit style locker replaces the stock carrier and a lunchbox style locker uses the stock carrier to install. This makes the Detroit locker stronger.

Price wise, you're looking at around $150 for a D44 spool, $250-$300 for a D44 lunchbox locker, and $600-$700 for a D44 Detroit locker.

 

Ok cool thanks!!. So i looked up a few sites for the "lunchbox" locker.... I dont know how many spines my axels are? How do i find this out without tearing into it?

 

You would have to find a VIN decoder online, if it is stock.

If it is stock I think it is a 30 spline, but don't quote me.

 

I have no idea if its stock or not i know the previous owner out about a grand or so into the front end. But i cant locate him anymore