does it seem to make sense to run a spool in the front on my dana 44 since i have locking hubs? if i don't have the hubs locked in, the axle shafts won't spin and my front tires will be able to travel as they would an open carrier, correct? and if so, would it be okay to run a spool in the front, so long as i didn't lock in my hubs on pavement?

 

I think you would be perfectly fine with that set up.

 

Have fun steering.

 

its not as bad as you think. i usually lincoln lock my fronts. (never a d30! only manual hub diffs)

OP-keep in mind that there will be no more 4 hi on the roads when it snows. your jeep will grab every rut in the road and try to understeer around corners. if you dont care about 4 hi on the street, then rock a spool. it just makes winters interesting. hydro assist will be your new best friend.

the answer for ALL your questions is YES.....IMO

 

Ok. I've never personally drove a vehicle with a spool up front but I have drove a yamaha rhino with just a locker up front. It was a HUGE pita to steer.

 

Do those have power steering? If not, there is your reason. I'm surew it would be a pita without ps

 

Awesome! I knew there would be steering problems. But I am gonna be adding hydro assist so that's awesome. Thanka foe the help!

 

I believe so.