ok so I got a dana 60 front axle
and I need to replace a u-joint
so my buddy says "why not get a 35 spline outer stub shaft? then it won't break"
I of course figure I better since I don't want it to break
but then I start finding the amazing pain in the ass project of getting the correct hubs and if no hubs are available for my axle I may have to make my own drive flanges and
this isn't really a problem, but I start wondering,
who do I know that has actually broken a 30 spline stubby?
sit down camo I can already see you raising your hand
I can admit I'm green and haven't had a ton of seat time, and I'm basically trying to build this thing right the first time, but am I just letting it get out of control or should I really worry at night that my axle may not make it?

so lets hear all your 30 spline stubby stories and advice

Broke two last season.
35 spline is definately stronger but don't feel like spending the cash on hubs and all.

If you put 35 spline you'll just change your weak link

Something will always break if you wheel hard.
You better get use to that

Just run it...It's just the stub axle and hubs, If you want to change it later you can.
...nothing is perfect the first time in this stuff, by the time it's perfect, the state of the art has moved on, without you.

I've broken more than one 60 outer.

I have 35 spine outers now. PN 3-82-871 with Warn full time slugs.

Ran my 60 with small ones for 2 years(open diff).First time out with detroit one broke. Now have 300M 35 spline stubs.If you are running spicer hubs all you have to do is have hub gears re-broched to 35. Now the ears break off axles. Its always something.Might be better to run small ones. Would still run spicer hubs cause when stub breaks you only take out plastic knob instead of killing the whole hub(WARN)

i have broke 5,3 in basically same day allthough i didnt realize it until i fixed the second one,that was 2 1/2years ago and since i have gone 35 spline i have ruined 2 but one was premeditated cause i could see 1 of the caps coming out a few minutes before a chance to win a 1000 bucks,i didnt win cause i tossed the joint and the inner and outer but hey that was the chance i took,the other was basically binding tire against front spring(too far)after breaking off a knuckle stop and basically i had to drive out of it, i won the poker run,won the raffle on winch,salvaged the inner and ruined the stub and joint,and back to the day i broke 3 in same day that was foster lake almost 3 years ago and i believe i broke the second 2 at exactly the same time when i hit second gear racing a friends bronco,

I have broken 2. I'd rather break an outer 30 spline on it's own rather than break an outer 35, u joint and 35 inner as I have seen happen before.

I broke one after wheeling it for 2 years with a Detroit. Have the 35 splines sitting in the garage now, just need hubs.

Pete

Originally posted by jeepruler:
<STRONG>I have broken 2. I'd rather break an outer 30 spline on it's own rather than break an outer 35, u joint and 35 inner as I have seen happen before.</STRONG>

HE has a good point here, if you go to a 35 spline outer the next weak link is the U-joint and if the U-jount goes its gonna most likely take both the inner and outer axle shafts with it. I would rather just lose a stub axle and actually plan on running a dana 44 with Alloy inner axles upgraded U-joint and stock outer for this reason

Run the 30's, when/if they break its no big to fix and they're more plentiful/cheaper.
Use xtra caution (light right toes) when turning and backing and you'll be surprised how long they last.

Originally posted by jeepruler:
<STRONG>I have broken 2. I'd rather break an outer 30 spline on it's own rather than break an outer 35, u joint and 35 inner as I have seen happen before.</STRONG>

LOL people used to laugh at me for saying that!! I agree 100%!!

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yes he has a point about rather break a 30 spline stub instead of all the other inner stuff but just a couple things to keep in mind. You almost always break the hub as well,the last one i broke took out the spindle as well i had to take a sawzall and make relief cuts to get the wheel hub off and still had to use a sledge(not pretty) and then again there is a big step between the 30 spline stub and a nice good condition spicer joint so you decide do you want to finish the day with out that mess or break those parts and be done? All in all i have been pretty happy with my 35 spline stubs,much more than before.