I have a 1997 F150 with the 5.4, auto tranny, 4wd, and the 3.55 8.8 rear with l/s. My clutch packs are shot and was wondering about upgrading my rear end while im back there. I have heard good things about spools (tough and provide more traction by locking the axles together), and have also heard bad things (hops around corners). Just curious what you guys have to say, seems like replacing the l/s with a spool would be a cheaper way to solve my problem and a little more traction couldnt hurt. But what is the difference between a spool and a mini spool? How hard are they to install? Would it really effect my daily driving ability that much?

 

First, I don't you have a 9.75 rearend? I thought all 5.4L came with the 9.75 Sterling?

Second, do not spool a daily driver!!! Tire wear and drivability (on road) will be horrible and you will break!... For a daily driver, a cheap "lunchbox" locker would be a much better choice.

 

Auburn Gear High Performance Series Ford 9.75" Posi is roughly $500...

 

Eaton Tru-trac, no more clutch packs to repair ever.

 

Do not spool a daily driver, I agree with everyone above! But for reference a mini spool replaces the spider gears(cheaper, easier to install) while a spool replaces the whole carrier(much stronger).

 

I thought all f150s came with an 8.8 rear end until the new body style in 04. Then the majority of the 5.4l trucks came with a 9.75. Also, a lunchbox locker will only work in an open carrier. If he already has a l/s carrier then it won't work.

I just installed a truetrac in my truck and I love it! As previously stated, It will never need rebuilding and it works better than clutch style l/s diffs. Just my 2 cents.

 

My 2000 5.4 had a 9.75" rear and my current 2002 5.4 has a 9.75" rear.

 

All 5.4 trucks got at the very least the 9.75 diff. All the 4.2 and 4.6 at the very least got the 8.8 diff. All the 250LDs and the later 7700# package trucks got the 10.25 regardless of the engine.

I also agree with the others. Do not spool a Daily Driver.
The cheapest option would be to rebuild your current differential.

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My pads are shot to hell to.

 

Yeah, I did some research after my post. You're right. my mistake.

 

how much would it cost to have the clutch pads replaced? mine are done on my 04 fx4. or would it just be better to have the whole unit replaced with something better than the stock unit?