are on their way, I founda brandnew set of yukons, for both the front and rear, along with install kits. For only 500 bucks. I couldn't pass it up. I will let you know how the install goes.

I have a question for you guys. Eventually(within the year) I am going to install locking hubs on the front end, to hopefully help fuel milage. When I do this I want to completely lock the front end via a mini spool, and install a posilock cable, to replace the vacuum actuator.

My question is, that what do you think would happen if I locked the front end without installing the front hubs. I figured that if I went ahead and changed out the spiders for a mini spool I would be saving myself alot of work, by not having to reinstall the gears again later. I rarely use 4wd so I'm not really worried about that.

What I am worried about is my driveshaft turning. Even with an open differential, my front driveshaft currently turns, but I doubt it turns 100%. My small lift kit doesn't result in any binding of the front driveline, so I personally think it would be ok. What do you guys and gals think???

 

You won't be ok.... well you could put the mini spool in, but your driver's side front wheel will be locked all the time. The passenger side will freespin. When you posi-lok, you will be 100% locked. I looked into this a few times and thought about lock hubs and all those goodies. The problem I ran across was people breaking front end parts with a lock front D44 axle. Exp with your 36's, might wanna re-think.

 

anyone else????, not saying your wrong, but my dad has a 86 dodge with a dana 44, he has it locked, with 4.56s and 38's and the most he has ever broken was a ujoint, no biggie

 

Why spool if you rarely use 4wd?
I have an Ox in the front of mine so I have a little more freedom. I don't know what kind of wheeling you do but here, I do rock crawling and tight mountain trails. I have to be able to turn. The Ox lets me disengage the locker so I can do that. With a spool, turns are going to be mighty tough on you and components.
I think the swap axle deal all depends on the driver. Your dad is probably pretty reasonable when he drives. The guys I've seen breaking stuff with larger than 35s are pretty hard in the way they drive I think. Regardless, a spool is locked and you're not gonna get out and unlock your hubs at every turn on a trail. I'd like to go to 37s but I haven't simply cause the tires in that size cost so much more than 35s.