If you had to run DIFFERENT axle widths, where would you want the longer axle? In the front or rear?:confused:
I am thinking the front, makes the most sence to me.
Only looking at about 1" difference between the two, unless more would be desired for some reason.

What kind of handling characterisitc would you have?

Just been looking at different alxes, and short of spending big$$$ to get custome shafts and all, its hard to get exact WMS numbers.

thanks :D

Assuming stock spring spacing, I would run the wider in the rear. The rear springs are spaced wider than the fronts, and IMHO the wider rear would help get a better leverage and flex balance between the front and rear springs.

Stock spring location: YES
I had thought about the leverage thing also, but have limited experience with this area. can you explain it a bit more:confused:
(i sound like a NEWBIE ......wait I still am!!!:flipoff2: )

Originally posted by Tusker
Assuming stock spring spacing, I would run the wider in the rear. The rear springs are spaced wider than the fronts, and IMHO the wider rear would help get a better leverage and flex balance between the front and rear springs.


why would every auto manufaturer do it the opposite of you then?

early toy: 55.5/56 front 55 rear
IFS toy: 59 front 58 rear
73-87 chevy 1/2 ton: 67.5 front 65 rear

follow me here yet??

Originally posted by Tusker
Assuming stock spring spacing, I would run the wider in the rear. The rear springs are spaced wider than the fronts, and IMHO the wider rear would help get a better leverage and flex balance between the front and rear springs.



and how did you cum to this i think DSI is trying to tell you something why would you make the rear wider then the front?:rainbow:



:massey:

International Scout axles are wider in the front than the rear from the factory. Also, GMC trucks and most other 4WD vehicles are. My understanding is that a narrower rear tracks better on the e-way. Think of a duallie pickup, the inner tires are what allow the vehicle to track straight, and the outers support the additional weight.

Having a rear axle that is substantially wider then the front will cause you to clear an obstacle and have the rear slam into it. Adjusting the driving style is highly recommended.

Originally posted by moto261




and how did you cum to this i think DSI is trying to tell you something why would you make the rear wider then the front?:rainbow:



:massey:

Why NOT make the rear wider than the front? Is there a reason, other than "the OEMs do it that way"? The OEMs put on IFS also, and I don't see us jumping on that bandwagon. :D

I have head that the rear is narrower from the factory for two reasons:
1) You want the rear to have a fresh "bite" on the terrain, not exactly following in the path of the front tires. (I don't think I agree with this one, and even if this was the case, either the front or rear could be wider with the same result)
2) It is easier for the vehicle to turn when the rear is narrower. (this makes sense to me, as it's easier for the front end to "force" the rear tires through a path of smaller radius)

And I agree with ManglerYJ that it's easier to navigate through obstacles when the rear is narrower (other than the increased stability that a wider axle offers).

Anyone else got ideas?

After I changed my hubs over, my front is now 1.5" wider than the rear. So far I'm not all that impressed for rocks. I find it is difficult to make both sets of tires track over an obstical. Which is often the case when you want to avoid a diff hanger by driving up and over another rock/bolder/wall. The back end now wants to slide off, or misses all together. On trails, it may be helpfull for avoiding trees. Probably one of those give-take propositions. Some times it helps, some times it hurts.

As far at the diff offset discussion goes. It only matter if you do one of the following:
1 - Get the axle so far off the joints bind.
2 - Plan to use a 'CV' joint on the drive shaft.

2) It is easier for the vehicle to turn when the rear is narrower. (this makes sense to me, as it's easier for the front end to "force" the rear tires through a path of smaller radius)
And I agree with ManglerYJ that it's easier to navigate through obstacles when the rear is narrower (other than the increased stability that a wider axle offers).

What I was also thinking of, in the front, when going over un-even terrain (Like ANY of us EVER see that:rolleyes: ) the longer front axle would be more stable in a sudden drop or while turning in an off-camber situation, being less likely to induce a rollover situation.
Planting the front well just seems alot more stable than the rear.

Just my thoughts on it.

Originally posted by Tusker
Assuming stock spring spacing, I would run the wider in the rear. The rear springs are spaced wider than the fronts, and IMHO the wider rear would help get a better leverage and flex balance between the front and rear springs.

I'll let you know how this works.. I've got a rear IFS toy axle, and 85 toy for the front (3" difference).

Wider track in the front gives better handling specifics at speed on stuff like {gasp!} pavement.

Think about cornering at speed on a tricycle.

r@m