axle life expectancy

[TerraScout]

Hey, what are everyone's thoughts about the apprx. "life span" of the 30 spline rear shafts in my D44('77 terra with 35's and 4.10's locked) I am replacing the fronts with 4340 inners/outers and yukon super joints...alas, I cannot seem to locate "off-the-shelf" stuff for the rear or if I even should mess with it..the front is locked ,too...........I wheel it pretty hard sometimes...

[binderbasher]

call jeff at ihonlynorth.com he can hook you up with alloy rear shafts, for a good price. With those axles you should be good, if your using a detroit locker. The stock carrier wont hold up.

[Diesel Smoke]

Originally Posted by TerraScout

Hey, what are everyone's thoughts about the apprx. "life span" of the 30 spline rear shafts in my D44('77 terra with 35's and 4.10's locked) I am replacing the fronts with 4340 inners/outers and yukon super joints...alas, I cannot seem to locate "off-the-shelf" stuff for the rear or if I even should mess with it..the front is locked ,too...........I wheel it pretty hard sometimes...

Alloy USA produce replacement rear shaft for the Scout II Dana 44, there part number is 21117. You should be able to get them from any Alloy USA dealer. As stated before, Jeff from IH Only North is a good place to get them from.

[TerraScout]

Thanks for the tips...I did try for those Alloy rears through 4wheelparts and the part# said "no longer avail." even though just two weeks prior, I had gotten a price quote from the same people....anyway, Thanks again!!!

[ihojeff]

Originally Posted by TerraScout

Thanks for the tips...I did try for those Alloy rears through 4wheelparts and the part# said "no longer avail." even though just two weeks prior, I had gotten a price quote from the same people....anyway, Thanks again!!!

They are still available. I have a set in stock if you are interested. Check out my website for pricing and package deals.
________
Glass weed pipe

[uglyscout]

I'll comment on life expectancy.

I ran a similar set up (35s, 4.27's, locked) and in two year of wheeling (15-20 runs, some daily driving and light hauling duty). I broke an axle shaft at the splines, twisted 2 other shafts (found them during normal maintence) and chewed the teeth off a ring gear.


So..... Life expectance is not so good!

Get the alloy shafts if you have the wallet for it. Or pack a lot of spares, which then makes your truck heavier, which then makes you break stuff faster, which then makes you carry more spares....

[RustoleumWhite]

However, a drop down to 33's and 4+ years on the same (used/Junk pile) rear shafts and I haven't busted one (yet).

Even with the new 4:1's.... but then I really haven't gotten out much in the last year+.


So I guess if you wheel it, it WILL break, eventualy, fit it sits on the trailer (or under a tarp) they hold up REALLY well

[tsm1mt]

Originally Posted by uglyscout

I'll comment on life expectancy.

I ran a similar set up (35s, 4.27's, locked) and in two year of wheeling (15-20 runs, some daily driving and light hauling duty). I broke an axle shaft at the splines, twisted 2 other shafts (found them during normal maintence) and chewed the teeth off a ring gear.

That's funny.

After ~1year with 36s and a LS/4.09s in the back, I snapped a rear shaft. IIRC I broke another shaft somewhere over the next year or two, then wiped out the 4.09 R&P.

Now it has new 4.09s and a LockRight and more stock shafts.. for another season or so.

Just paid for my 70HD. Still need gears and a Detroit..

[Afireinside]

I ran my old rear open and I was always breaking stock spider gears then I welded it and lost the R&P.The shafts seemed to last but now I run a 14 bolt.