September 2009
Souce: Off Road Magazine
By Jay Kopycinski
There are several basic rear axle types used in 4x4s, and each have specific design pros and cons. Axle designs can vary in load handling, bearing and flange type, and gearset configuration. In this article we'll take a look at rear axles and discuss the benefits of various designs.
SEMI-FLOATER vs. FULL-FLOATERThere are two types of rear axles found on light-duty 4x4s: semi-floating and full-floating. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
A semi-floating axle is very common on the rear of most 4x4s. It consists of an axleshaft on each side that is splined on the inner end where it mates to the differential and has a wheel flange where the wheel studs mount at the other end. This assembly typically mates to the end of the axlehousing using some type of flange arrangement. The axleshaft also rides on a large roller or ball bearing out at the end of the axlehousing.
This is an easy dusty trail that starts at Camp Site 4 off of Forest Route 22S53, the trail ends at Dry Meadow Creek.
What is welding your spider gears?
Welding your spiders up is just that. Taking the "spider" or side and pinion gears and welding them together in some shape or form.
Why should I do it?
The advantage of doing this is a cheap way to lock up your rear end. If the spider gears arent allowing both sides to rotate independently then both axles will turn at the same speed all the time. Thus giving you maximum traction to each wheel that you can possibly get.
Its time to plan your September 3, 2009
The annual 4x4 Mecca BBQ on the sites birthday! We have this ever year on or near the 4th of July. It's a dry BBQ so no Alcohol, just soda, food, and the Mecca Crew.
When I was coming around to completing my project truck, I was wondering how to get more flex.
Good Stock rear suspension shackles. They are good because all of the geometry is already figured out for you; just drive it.
What started as a 1-ton axle install turned into an entire new suspension for the General, my 1984 Chevy K5 Blazer. My biggest concern with the new suspension was the street performance.