Wall Thickness of common axles?

[sled_dog]

Looking to find out what the average wall thickness of average axles are. Namely, 14 bolt, dana 60, dana 44, whatever else you know. Reason I ask is next time I do a project I'd like to remove the tubes and start fresh. Why? strength. I would truss and retube with thicker tubing. Next thing I build I want to be light and I plan to catch air. Maybe not 20 foot dune jumps but air for sure, and I don't want to worry about it everytime a tire leaves the ground.

 

[sled_dog]

anyone? I've cut a 14 bolt up, but didn't measure.

 

[84gmcjimmy]

I'd like to know this too, anyone know?

 

[readymix]

I know the 14FF has 3.25" tubes and a .5" wall

 

[K5er4Life]

I know with the front 60 its got a .5" thick wall

 

[bluejeep]

I've NEVER seen a 14 bolt with 1/2" tubes. More like 3/8".

Dana 60 (fronts) 1/2" thick, Dana 44 (fullsize front) 1/2" thick. Waggy 44 (front) 3/8" thick, Ford HP 44 (front with cast on C bushings) 1/4" thick. Dana 60 (rears) 3/8" thick, and scout 44 (rear) 1/4" thick.

PS, I build axles so I've cut into each one of these.

 

[sled_dog]

anyone have thoughts about running thicker? say 1/2" thick for a 14 bolt?

 

[bluejeep]

I've discussed this topic with a (PhD) industrial engineer and his preference was bigger diameter thinner material for strength. 14 bolt has 3.375 OD tubing in a .375 thickness, which is more than adeqate for almost everything. Especailly if you're building it light, truss the stock 14 bolt and call it good. Not worth the effort and money it would take to retube it thicker. The only place it would ever bend anyway would be right up next to the diff, which is exactly the area a truss would reinforce.

 

[readymix]

Did you browse through the 14 bolt bible because it states that it has 1/2" walll tubes. Never heard of .375 before.