Rebuild the Posi or Mini Spool?

[JimP]

On my to do list is to address the posi. On a couple of occasions my left rear tire has stopped spinning while heating up the Mickey E/T Streets while at the track.

Car is not a daily driver, driven on nice days and only about 5 months of the year since the rest of the year it's either snowing or raining here.

For those who would prefer to rebuild the factory unit, any suggestions?

For those running a mini spool is it street able? I like to drive this car. Can anyone suggest a source for the rebuild parts or the mini spool.

Thanks for your advice.

Jim

 

[LOLGN]

I have a lockright in the back of my daily driver jeep which locks the axleshafts together under throttle. It has a tendency to understeer a bit in general and the car definately feels less "free" in fast corners. Consequently I saw my gas mileage dip slightly. It chirps the tires in parking lots and makes the rear walk or kind of hop slightly turning tight when going slow. It will wear the tires a little more quickly as well. Most of these concerns are relatively minor for a car that is a weekend warrior but since you already have a limited slip rear, I'd just rebuild it and make sure both tires are in the water box at the track. A locked/spooled rear puts the car slightly more towards a race car than street car in a way I wouldn't choose for all but serious street machines or for something going offroad.

 

[pacecarta]

mini spools arent legal for drag strip
if going spool go full spool like moser and youll need aftermarket axles as they will see a lot more stress ,
for wet weather driving id keep a posi , stock posi rebiuld kit is about 120 bucks (through gm dealer)and can be done easily in the car , might need a spare carrier pin retainer bolt too as they tend to be broken .

 

[marred4life]

i had a mini spool in my daily driving t for 3yrs and enjoyed every second of it, it does chirp when turning slow but you get used to it, i had no problems at the track with it. if you dont want to spend all the money on rebuilding your posi unit then go for it, for around 120 youll have a mini spool,oil, and gasket and lil extra for the 6 pack

 

[pacecarta]

both summit brand and richmond brand mini spools state "recommended for dirt track use only "

 

[Mark E.]

I had a mini spool for a while and did not like it for street driving. When rolling down my driveway and turning a bit, it is like hitting the brakes.

Also the mini spool is only for an open case as far as I know. I could be wrong.

Fix the posi.

My $.02

 

[1BADWE4T]

Plenty of cars going fast with the factory posi, I wouldn't waste my $ on a mini spool as they are not for the street anyway.

 

[jhanson1750]

rebuild the stocker.

 

[mygn276]

I drove with a mini spool for 3 years. And yes it is a no no as they are for circle track only. Had no issues with it. And yes you cannot install a lockrite or mini spool in a posi carrier.

 

[Turbo F-bird]

I had a mini spool in a G body with a 9" Ford once. After less than one summer of strictly driving to the track and back to race both axle splines were twisted. Like was said earlier it felt like I hit the brakes when backing up and turning the wheel slightly too. Rebuild your limited slip you'll be happier for it.

 

[Otto J]

Does a mini spool still work with c-clip?
If you got the cash,Just call Cotton and get a Eaton unit.
Mine dropped right in and it is HD and rebuildable.
If not just install a rebuild kit from GM.
Dont mini spool it

 

[JimP]

Thanks for the advice and opinions guys!

Rebuild the stock unit it is, going to buy the rebuild kit tomorrow and throw it on the pile with the rest of the stuff waiting to go on.

Thanks again!

 

[turbofabricator]

I totally agree on the Eaton posi. All the load goes through the cross pin with a mini spool. Wrong way to go. If you street drive, use an Eaton posi. Spools are very dangerous on the street. If you get stuck in a rain squal, you'll have to just park it. Spools are SCARY in the rain.

 

[we-4brett]

buy a posi and save yourself the headache of a spool.

hope it works out for you
brett walker

 

[toofastforyou]

spool...yes or no ?

I think it depends if your GN is a daily driver or not...I'm running a Moser spool on the street. You feel very little "chirps" it when doing sharp turns like parking in tight spots, but other than that, it is almost non noticeable...Of course, I don't drive my car everyday...it's just a big toy! :biggrin:

Claude :wink:

 

[turbo nasty]

My bud put a spool (12 bolt) in his elcamino (around 330 hp sbc) and the wheel studs sheared off in a turn on the driver side and tore up some stuff. Needless to say he was not happy. He did not have the woop dee do wheel studs just the factory stuff and they did not hold up with a mini spool and a DD.
I personally like a a limited slip due to the extra unneeded stress on a DD in turns/traffic and such.
Full race car then do it or a low street usage car, but get the good wheel studs and axles.