|
|
Posted by Kaegi on Friday, May 15, 2009 at 17:04:53 :
In Reply to: Re: Axles posted by John Galt on Friday, May 15, 2009 at 16:00:36 :
Well I guess it comes down to experience. I offroaded WC 3/4tons and PWS for quite few years since 1985 and have never seen nor heard of anyone breaking a centered rear axle shaft from a 3/4 ton WC. I personaly have only broke 1 offset rear axle on a PW. I bought a 49 once that already had an ear broken off the outer shaft of left front. The joints in the front of the 3/4 ton is so bullet proof VPW has never sold one replacement bearing for one.
Broken 44s: I have seen 3 blazers and one early style bronco break off. not sure whether it was casting or the tube. usually in trucks that got air born. ;/)
I agree that the shafts ar ethe weak link but there are other factors that when looked ata as a whole would keep me from ever changing stock 9 5/8 centered set up with anything else.
coolness factor
superior brake performance when wet or muddy
bigger bearings everywhere
stronger housing
housing slides over objects much better than any 3 piece design
5.83 gears
replacment axles are so rarely sold at VPW they will sell you 2 for 75 bucks NOS
but theyave NO short shafts NOS
tried and true
Follow Ups: