Conference ssdevo::4wd

    My rear axle snapped a few week's ago on the passenger side, just
    behind the drum. It snapped driving down the highway at approx.
    35MPH and I was able to get it safely to the side of the road.
    I am running 35" tires and have now found out that
    the half-ton rear-end/axle assembly on my '78 Bronco is probably 
    not strong enough to handle this size of tire. I have also spoken with  
    two Jeep owners who say this is a common occurance with Jeeps and
    larger tires. One of them was planning on going to the Ford rear end
    until he heard of my problem.
    
    I am looking into going to smaller tires,but how small do I go?Is there
    a way to strengthen the axles without changing the entire rear-end
    assembly? I have replaced the axle with a junk yard unit for now.
    It did leave a nice crease in the rear fender panel.8^(
    
    What about aftermarket assemblies? 
    
                Rich                                    
    
    
    
     

    
     Get a Ford 9".....Very strong units!
    
     Chris
    

    
    Oh yea, you did mention not replacing the whole unit....But it should
    not be too bad to do.
    
    
    Chris

    Same thing happened to a friend of mines' '73 F-150, back when they
    used 9-inch rear-ends under them. I think it was just over 105,000
    miles when it happened. Luckily, he was just turning a corner at about
    2 mph when it snapped.
    
    One solution is a full-floating axle, like is used on 1-ton, Heavy duty
    3/4 ton and nearly all older 3/4 ton trucks. These have a hollow
    spindle and use tapered roller bearings, just like the front axle has.
    The axle shaft itself does not support the weight of the vehicle, the
    spindle does. Only problem is, they use 8-lug wheels, which means you
    either carry two spares or change the front axle to 8-lug as well. It's
    not the cheapest solution, but it sure is heavy-duty! :-)
    
    Harry
    

Harry--

>    3/4 ton and nearly all older 3/4 ton trucks. These have a hollow
>    spindle and use tapered roller bearings, just like the front axle has.
>    The axle shaft itself does not support the weight of the vehicle, the
>    spindle does. Only problem is, they use 8-lug wheels, which means you

could you explain this a little more?  what is the difference between an
axle shaft and an axle spindle?  in my simple mind's image of an axle
i cant imagine how theyre different...  Arent there bearings at both ends
of the axle anyway (diff and wheel/brake drum)?  If not, how is it kept
from spinning out of true and rubbing the housing?

                               --|
    /--\                       | |--
 --- xx -----------------------J |  
 ==0*XX*=0====================0==|
 --- xx -----------------------7 |
    \--/                       | |--
                               --|

I am not quite sure how to put labels on what ive drawn, so ill try to
describe it....

the pile of x's is the diff.  the *'s are the gear at the end of the axle
where is goes into the diff.  the = is the axle.  the 0 are the bearings.
at the right end, there are two semi connected pieces: the 'plate' that
the brake shoes and stuff attach too (firmly attached to the axle housing)
and the brake drum and lug nut piece (which would attach to the axle).

am i all wet on how this is put together? or am i at least close?

--roger

    re -1   On the 9" axle, you have a retaining plate, bearing, keeper on
    the Axle.  The bearing and keeper are pressed onto the shaft after the
    retaining plate, The Axle is then inserted into the housing and 4 bolts
    on the retaining plate hole the bearing in place in the axle tube.
    The press fit of the bearing and keeper. Vehicle weight is supported
    by the wheel-bearing-axle-housing-spring path
    
    On Floater (3/4hd, old3/4 + 1ton) the rear wheel assemble is supported
    by two tapered bearings which run on races on the Axle tube. The
    assembly is retained by two large nuts and a lock ring. The axle is
    inserted through the assemble and bolts to the outside of the wheel
    assemble.. vehicle weight is supported by the
    wheel-bearing-housing-spring path.. The Axle does not bear any of the
    weight.
    
    JJ