Time for some axle shafts

[ccarley]

Yesterday my buddy helped me install the new 4.56 R&P in my 12-bolt rear. That job went just fine, nice & easy with all the right tools. Anyway, when we had the axle shafts out I noticed that the bearing surfaces are toast. I think it was last year I had replaced the outer bearings with the lame ones that move the rollers outwards to a new bearing surface, but the shafts are just old & worn and keep getting worse.

So, the plan is to get a new set of shafts, new standard bearings & seals. I'd like to get some cromoly shafts, but it's hard to find info on the 12-bolt since everyone tends to go 14-bolt. I see good prices on "Alloy USA" shafts, and Yukon shafts seem pretty reasonable as well. Looking for info on the internet... you always find someone with a bad review. But most seem to be like "the shafts broke when I was romping on it in the Rubicon with my 38's" kind of story; nothing like what I'll be doing. With the way I drive, stock replacement shafts would be fine I'm sure, but I'd like something a bit better.

Does anyone think the Alloy USA shafts are better at least than the stock shafts? Or should I look elsewhere?

Thanks,
Clay

 

[TerryD]

I bought Superior shafts from ORD for my 12b. So far so good. I'll be on 35s this year and hopefully going with 4.56s soon too.

 

[Bowtie85]

Put a set of ten factory shafts in my 67 8.2 ten bolt. No complaints so far, runnin a healthy 383/5 speed manual. Just a street car though fwiw.

 

[ccarley]

Thanks guys,

I'll continue my search!

Clay

 

[Stomis]

Check rock auto actually. They have a decent stock of chromo replacement shafts. Thats where I got my long side shaft in my front 44 when I narrowed it. A cheap brand chromo was cheaper than finding a factory spicer...

 

[dyeager535]

I don't know what a "good" price is, but I had looked at Moser in the past for "custom" shafts, and as I recall, they weren't ridiculous, something like $150/shaft.

I assume Moser is still good stuff.

 

[Stomis]

Theres nothing wrong with moser but I believe Dutchman still makes the best axle shafts for non turning applications.

When I bought my 8.8 axles I did a bit of reading on what material they use vs typical chromos from other companies. I believe it was A1018 and that it had much better elasticity and the same strength so it could rebound better but couldn't be used in an app with a u joint because it wasn't strong enough around the ears.

That was a few years ago so for I know everyone could be using that now.

 

[dyeager535]

Unfortunately, for the cost, the larger axle swaps are cheaper lol.