Thread: Headlight Options for 34 Plymouth

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I do still run the spool on the street. I'm sure that's part of my problem. Beefing up those front bars and more/better welds should work.

I ran a mini-spool in a Ford 8" on the street many years (I had TA Radials on that car).

Originally Posted by All American 6

I do still run the spool on the street. I'm sure that's part of my problem. Beefing up those front bars and more/better welds should work.

I ran a mini-spool in a Ford 8" on the street many years (I had TA Radials on that car).

I'd agree a spool is rough on the street, but I'm not a fan of an open differential if you have significant power. I really like the Detroit/Eaton TrueTrac, which is closer to a locker in operation than a posi, but is as friendly as a positrac for casual operation.

I've still got my "Saturday Night" gears on a spool, a set of 6.0's....Hopefully someday I might again have something that's worth putting them into!!!! A spool can be rough on most all of the suspension and steering on a car if you get into a place where you have to turn a bit too sharp!!!! The old noisy, clanking Detroit Locker is still IMO the toughest and most fool proof posi unit, but the new Tru-Trac units are as Roger said, a very smooth posi for the street!!

(But for Saturday night stoplight wars, 6.0's on a spool is still the most fun way to play!!!!!!!!)

Originally Posted by Dave Severson

I've still got my "Saturday Night" gears on a spool, a set of 6.0's....Hopefully someday I might again have something that's worth putting them into!!!! A spool can be rough on most all of the suspension and steering on a car if you get into a place where you have to turn a bit too sharp!!!! The old noisy, clanking Detroit Locker is still IMO the toughest and most fool proof posi unit, but the new Tru-Trac units are as Roger said, a very smooth posi for the street!!

(But for Saturday night stoplight wars, 6.0's on a spool is still the most fun way to play!!!!!!!!)

I can't IMAGINE 6.0's!! I think my first gear would be about two nanoseconds and fifty feet!!

Originally Posted by rspears

I can't IMAGINE 6.0's!! I think my first gear would be about two nanoseconds and fifty feet!!

Yup, about that long!!!! Last car they were in was my Maverick with a 347 and my old trusty Dough Nash 5 speed----You start pulling the handle for second about the same time you drop the clutch in first, 2nd to 3rd gave you almost time to blink then the last two were a bit more spread out..... But it sure does make for one nasty launch!!!!!!!!!!

I second using a Detroit True-Track. I run one, and it acts like an open differential until you nail the throttle. It is a great way to go for cars like ours.

Originally Posted by rumrumm

I second using a Detroit True-Track. I run one, and it acts like an open differential until you nail the throttle. It is a great way to go for cars like ours.

Wonder how they would hold up with big (500+) hp??? Our last couple years with late models on the dirt we played with the Gold Trac units, circle burner version of the Tru Trac and it did remarkable well!!! Took a lot of the throttle steer out of the car.... My pal Jim has it set up in a differential for his mod on dirt this summer, going to play with it some more in them.

Originally Posted by rumrumm

I second using a Detroit True-Track. I run one, and it acts like an open differential until you nail the throttle. It is a great way to go for cars like ours.

Two things sold me on the TrueTrac - they're pretty much bullet proof for the engines we normally run, and as a spiral gear posi there are no clutches to wear and thus no additives to worry with.

Dave, we were typing at the same time. From Detroit/Eaton's FAQ list:

How much horsepower and torque will the Truetrac take?
There are many factors to consider when determining if a specific differential will last in your vehicle. Horsepower and torque are important factors. However, the weight of the car, tire height/width, the terrain and suspension are all important things to take into consideration.

For example, a setup that uses street tires will live longer because both tires will break loose and spin before any real strain is put on the unit. But as the tire gets wider, the stress on the unit increases because the traction is greater. When in doubt, the best bet is to call us with your specific application and driving conditions.

I love how my Truetrac feels and acts but so far I only have about 1000 miles on it. It hooks very well when I hammer it but is perfectly smooth when turning or during maneuvers. Time will tell but I'm optimistic as to its durability even with ~550hp since the car is relatively light...not sure about exact weight yet but I figure maybe ~2250 lbs or so.

Thanks Roger, guess it'd be worth a phone call to see what they think but the statement you posted gives me doubts as to what would happen with the soft compound street slicks, 5 speed, and a bunch of power!!!! I might be stuck with old noisy and clanky, aggravating but they sure last!

Originally Posted by Dave Severson

Thanks Roger, guess it'd be worth a phone call to see what they think but the statement you posted gives me doubts as to what would happen with the soft compound street slicks, 5 speed, and a bunch of power!!!! I might be stuck with old noisy and clanky, aggravating but they sure last!

Yeah, I can't disagree. The old Detroit Locker is tried & true, and they're not nearly so bad mannered as a Lincoln Locker or spool, they just advertise their presence with some clanks & bangs on tight turns. I also noticed in that list of FAQ's that someone asked about repairs in the event of breakage, and they honestly said that if it broke it was usually in the support structure for the helical gears, making it non-repairable. If you call them let us know what they say.

Over the winter had the car painted inside and out. Changed the wheels and tires. Rechromed some items. Reconfigured the grille shell and insert. Added a damper.

I've been to the Detroit Autorama and the Atlanta Autorama this year. Should be at Goodguys Nashville next weekend.

It looks stupendous!! Nice work!

Good to see your still enjoying the car.. thanks for the update and the pics! Lookin' good..