Axle shafts

[Justin]

So, since my craigslist score didn't pan out, I'm in the market for a set of front axle shafts. Anyone have suggestions re: good brands or what to look for? I'd love a set of RCVs, but don't have that kind of money. Any good ways to do this on a budget?

[Gunnibronco]

Just posted on the 'Sux" thread. I have a set stock axles you can borrow if you need a set to get you on the road. I'll be in Denver in early May. The girlfriend will be up there again in April.

I'd sell them, but think I want the spares until I make the 1-ton jump.

[Justin]

I appreciate the offer! I've still got the stock shafts and will probably run them till I can afford something better. Just trying to get a sense of what to look for as I haven't shopped for front shafts before.

[crawlercreations]

I've now got a complete set of Yukon Hardcore axles in my front end. They are holding up great! 12 days of pretty hard wheeling in Moab without a problem. I am running them with the Yukon gold joints.

My word of advise....get the best you can now or pay more in the long run. I started with a set of F-150 axles that were shortened and blew them apart. Bought the regular "Name Brand" chromoly axles and broke so many outers they gave me a free upgrade to Yukon Hardcore outers. I ended up buying the Yukon Hardcore inners after breaking them each twice. One stub broke in the snow and ice. Having a broken axle really puts the damper on wheeling season. Sure you can usually get a spare replacement pretty quickly but it is still a bit of annoying work to swap out on the axle or even at home when everyone else is out wheeling. In the end you are likely to have Yukon Hardcores or RCVs anyway so just save the headache and get them now to be done.

[Justin]

I was hoping you'd chime in. I knew you'd had some issues and we've got relatively similar drivetrains. You're on 37's, right? Just trying to judge the strength needs.

[crawlercreations]

I was hoping you'd chime in. I knew you'd had some issues and we've got relatively similar drivetrains. You're on 37's, right? Just trying to judge the strength needs.

Yep, 37s. I'm not a throttle jockey but I'm not afraid to hit the gas when needed. I'm definitely not afraid of hitting the harder trails; helldorado(solo), Pritchett, behind the rocks, patato salad hill, carnage BV, Penrose, etc. I've got a feeling you're going to want to hit more difficult trails than spring creek with your new suspension. Breaking sucks, especially on a hard trail.

[Justin]

You're probably right. Upgrades a definitely happening, it's just a matter of when.

[Justin]

Question: It looks like the chromoly outers I have will work. They've got 2 grooves for the retaining clips, so I'm assuming that the inner clip is for the F250 application and the outer one is for F150 use. I can get the matching inner axles for about $400. This leaves me with a conundrum. Would you:

1. Sell the chromo axles as a complete, new U-joints in the stockers, and run those. Buy RCVs someday, unless my Bronco ADD kicks in and I and build a 609.
2. Use the chromo outers and stock inners since the outers appear to be the weaker link. Hope to find a buyer for the inner axles.
3. Buy inners so that I've got a complete set of axles.
4. Something else

[landshark]

Sell as a set. Use stockers until you sell the f250 set and buy what you want

[Justin]

That's my inclination at this point. The F150 shafts are already an upgrade.

[crawlercreations]

I agree with Chris. Run the stockers with some good u joints and save up until you can buy RCVs. My uncle is running stock '79 shafts in his e locked dana 44 with 37" Krawlers on his heavy '96 bronco with no issues to date. Daily driven, spring creek, hells revenge, moab rim, cliff hanger, Chinaman gulch, etc. His automatic helps but I'd bet he is pushing 6k pounds. You may have better luck with them than I did. I run the hardest stuff I can find for the most part and am not afraid of a little bind.

[Justin]

Cool, thanks. That helps.

[landshark]

I also ran stockers the entire time i had my 94 bronco with 37" tires. I did replaced the ujoints with spicers and that was it.. Never broke one in that Dana44 and I was pushing about 6250 lbs last time i weighed it. I had intentions to go to the RCV's but never broke an axle - just the housing :)

[Justin]

Right on. Ordered u joints last night, so stockers it is.