Rear Axle Price Differences

[Pat]

The OEM rear axles from Ford list for $271.00. The Dorman axles list for
$102.00 from Rock Auto, they list for $202.00 an other sites, Moser's list for $274.00. These are 28 spline axles.

Is there a significant difference in material quality between OEM and aftermarket axles?

I'm afraid I'll be needing some rear differential work as there is a pronounced Wooo, wooo, wooo when driving at highway speeds. No leaks or grinding or ticks. This has been going on for a while. I thought it was tires, but after a tire change the noise remains.

Thanks,

Pat

[musclemerc]

The Dorman axles have one design flaw.

They did not make any provisions for an O ring that comes stock on the OEM units. If someone installing a set of Dorman axles tries to reuse the stock O ring they will not be able to get the C clips to seat. That to me makes the Dormans inferior to the OEMs

But thats just me, i'm sure others will tell you the Dormans are a slice of heaven and omit that one design flaw.

BTW you can get the TSB kit (2 axles, bearings, friction modifyer, rear end oil, etc.) from Ford for a lot less that those 2 OEM axles are listed for. Ford PN# 3W1Z-4A109-AA Rear Axle Bearing Service Kit


Call Tousley Ford for 10% over cost pricing for all SVTP.com members

[Pat]

Thanks, Musclemerc. I'll look into the TSB kit. Hope they still have it in stock.

[musclemerc]

They do, I just not long ago bought the Dormans, and after finding this info out I returned them and got the TSB kit instead.

I want EVERY OEM seal on my axles inplace after doing any so called "up grade" to my axles.

With all the guys running Dormans I wonder why they didnt chime in?

[Chevyguy]

I think the O ring is for helping the C clip install, can't see how it would seal any fluid in that location bathed in axle fluid.

[RF Overlord]

^^^what Chevyguy said^^^

The only 3 places that need a seal of any kind are at the wheels, the pinion, and the cover.

[Bradley G]

Moser shipped 31 spline axles for 400 to my door.
I have two excellent condition take off axles, I'll ship you if interested.

[mrjones]

Pat did your rear end go out, or is it just on its way?

[Pat]

I'm still driving, mrjones, it's just the unusual noise and the slight jerking when stepping on the gas or letting off, any speed. Going to the shop soon.

[mrjones]

Pat, have you had your rear repaired yet?

Must be an SB problem! I just bought one for myself the other day (still have my original black) and it seems to have a noise coming from the right rear.

[RF Overlord]

What kind of noise...sort of a woo...woo...woo like Pat? If so, you have a bad axle shaft and bearing. From discussion here and on CVN, it seems that the passenger side fails a lot more often than the driver side. Phoebe had the same issue.

[burt ragio]

I too have that noise but my ride is am 2004 ?

[mrjones]

No, my noise is more of a rubbing sound. It doesn't have the normal "grumble" of a wheel bearing, and the noise doesn't seem to change when swerving. Usually if it's a wheel bearing and you make a significant swerve left or right, and load or unload that bearing, the noise will change. This doesn't seem to be doing that.

[GreekGod]

Moser shipped 31 spline axles for 400 to my door.
I have two excellent condition take off axles, I'll ship you if interested.
Did Moser make your axles without provision for the ABS rings?...when I talked to them, they told me they wouldn't make axles for an MM (with the cut for the rings)

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[RF Overlord]

Usually if it's a wheel bearing and you make a significant swerve left or right, and load or unload that bearing, the noise will change. This doesn't seem to be doing that.Phoebe didn't change when loading or unloading, either, but the PS axle shaft was still fubar. 2 new bearings and 2 new axles and she's quiet as a churchmouse. (the driver' side axle was good, but I didn't want to do the job twice if the DS went bad later on)

[BLACKMARAUDER04]

$372.68 AT Tascaparts.com

[Ktorres1]

I recently replaced my driverside axle as wells as bearings and now my passenger side has gone out. What is the difference between 28 spines and 31 spines $ should I just replace both with the 31 spines ? Thanks

[fastblackmerc]

I recently replaced my driverside axle as wells as bearings and now my passenger side has gone out. What is the difference between 28 spines and 31 spines $ should I just replace both with the 31 spines ? Thanks

31 spline axles won't fit unless you upgrade the differential to a 31 spline unit.

[RacerX]

You need a 31 spline carrier. Rear dif needs to be taken apart to get the new carrier and axles in there.


31 spline axles won't fit unless you upgrade the differential to a 31 spline unit.
Damn it! Beat again! :P

[SpartaPerformance]

We offer a rear diff pack which includes two Ford OEM 31 spline axles and a Terminator Cobra 31 spline differential with carbon clutches.

Diff pack (https://ssl111.webhosting.optonline.ne t/spartaperformance.com/merchantmanager/product_info.php?cPath=32_62&products_id=328)

Some small modification is required to perfectly fit the axles in but has been done by other members on here.

[Ktorres1]

What is the benefit of the 31 spline over the 28 ?

[fastblackmerc]

What is the benefit of the 31 spline over the 28 ?

The 31 spline setup will handle more torque.

[RacerX]

That's good to know Tommy. Anyone get your kit and install it on a high hp MM? Thanks!

[Ktorres1]

So when should one convert to the 31 splines ?

[fastblackmerc]

So when should one convert to the 31 splines ?

Preferably before you see one of your rear tires passing you!

[Ktorres1]

Preferably before you see one of your rear tires passing you!

Lol ok got it

[fastblackmerc]

Lol ok got it

If your going to buildup your motor & add forced induction, you should build the trans and the rear end. Especially if you'll be pushing close to 500 HP.

If your under 400 HP you should be OK.

[Ktorres1]

If your going to buildup your motor & add forced induction, you should build the trans and the rear end. Especially if you'll be pushing close to 500 HP.

If your under 400 HP you should be OK.

Perfect that all I needed to know ! Thanks Jim

[GreekGod]

So when should one convert to the 31 splines ?

Whenever you need to do any serious repair to the rear end, you should install 31 spline axles. Ford thought so too, because all Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis, and Town Cars built after ~2005 had 31 spline axle shafts

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