if you had selectable hubs like ford and SAS chevys then there would be no problem running a spool in the front... most guys cheap out and just weld the gears. you would have a hard time turing anytime you were in 4wd on hard ground, but then you woul just unlock one hub and go.

there is no easy or cheap way to lock the front of dodges. you can either buy a selectable locker like an ARB or E-Locker, or you can buy a manual hub conversion kit from Dynatrac or EMS and then either weld or install a spool. Either way you decide to go, it wont be cheap. IMO you would just be opening a very expensive can of worms if you install a spool into your CAD frontend.

 

+1 on the detroit in the rear. I can't remember the last time i needed to put it in 4x4 wheeling around. Also the factory pneumatic hubs will get eaten alive by a LSD, ARB, or an OX. Get the full rear detroit, and if that aint enough, invest in some replacement manual hubs now before you break it on the trail with the front locker. Just my 2 cents

 

I wouldn't do a spool even with selectable hubs. If you need to disengage for a corner, you'd have to get out and disengage a hub. That might be a little difficult depending on where you wheel.
Go with a selectable locker up front.

 

Ummmm.... i 'm running a minispool in my front dana 44. But I'm also using a Posi-Lock to select it. Yes the drivers side does turn in 2wd, as does the front driveshaft, But , i don't feel any pulling to the left , IN 2WD. Now if a engauge 4 high, however It will pull to the left.If yer gonna daily drive yer rig , I wouldn't bother, But as a trail rig with 50% highway , it works great. And it was cheap too!!

Fork

 

I wouldn't run a spool, too hard on a D-44 in a full size. My power trax locker was a huge PITA unless you were going straight or could shift between 2/4wd. Lack of directional stability on loose surfaces was scary. Spool+Binding=instant carnage. Even the hard core rock racers and hill climbers don't run 'em.

The OP asked if there would be additional wear on the front shaft and other components and the answer is yes because they are under constant load. There would probably be a mileage loss too.

 

Ok , this is just MY FINDINGS!!!!! While I'm driving down the highway, My truck , with a mini- spool in the front, and a POSI-LOCK, drives PERFECT! Having the Posi-Lock, enables me to Unlock the passenger side ,That seems to be the key, which lets me turn normally.The drivers side hub turns, just like a stock set-up. The front drive shaft turns also, So make sure its Balanced and in good working order, BUT, its not being driven by the engine, its mearly along for the ride, and spinning freely. ONLY when you select 4WD, does it pull to the left, because You are now powering the front end, and the drivers side , VIA the TRANSFERCASE. The passenger side remains free to spin until i pull the posi-lock cable, THEN ITS FULLY LOCKED.I'm still experimenting with this set-up, But so far its been good, excellent in the bush. I do need to remove the CAD shift collar and remove about 1/8" on one side , to prevent accidental lock-up , during right turns!!. I'll report back in the coming weeks with my findings...
As for strength, issues , I had that same concern. I figured ,since I'm only running a 34x 10.5 LTB, with 3.92 gears, I should be ok for a while. If it blows up , well I guess my Dana 60 will be going in LOL, Happy wheelin!!


P.S. make sure you have a good Fork in the CAD moving the Collar , on you will get unintentional Lock up!! I had to get a new one.

Fork

 

I put a Detroit TruTrac in my rear axle, and haven't used the four wheel drive ever since