Need to replace 28-spline axles, again!

[Go2GuyFL]

As I went to replace the Trak-Lok clutches with a carbon fiber kit, was told my axles are scored and need to replace with new side gears and spider gears. Thinking about going to 31-spline but don't know the most cost solution.

Summit Racing suggests a new carreir FMS-M-4204-F318C custom Moser axles. Rock Auto only carries Dorman 28-spline and looking into having them replaced under 5yr/50k mile warranty. Waiting to hear back from Sparta Performance on their Cobra Differential kit. Local Ford dealer can get 31-spline axles at $230 each plus $140 gear kit as I was told both my 3.55 ring/pinion and carrier are good and not splined.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

[SC Cheesehead]

I've got one used 28 spline axle available if that'll be of any help.

[Go2GuyFL]

I've got one used 28 spline axle available if that'll be of any help.

Rock Auto confirmed they will warranty by replacing both 28 spline axles. I can either send the bad ones and wait for new, or place an order and get a refund upon their return.

I'm still researching what's needed to go to 31 spline. Sparta Performance's kit requires removal of the parking brake assembly. Not a viable option for me.

[fastblackmerc]

Rock Auto confirmed they will warranty by replacing both 28 spline axles. I can either send the bad ones and wait for new, or place an order and get a refund upon their return.

I'm still researching what's needed to go to 31 spline. Sparta Performance's kit requires removal of the parking brake assembly. Not a viable option for me.

I think you really only need 31-spline spider gears and 31-spline axles to convert from 28-spline.

IMHO..... I'd go with Moser 31-spline axles.

Bad info above....

It's not recommended to swap the spider gears......

[LANDY]

I went with the ford 31 spline carrier and axels and didn't remove the parking brake.
I got mine from Tousley Ford.

[Go2GuyFL]

I went with the ford 31 spline carrier and axels and didn't remove the parking brake.
I got mine from Tousley Ford.

Landy ... that's the route I'm thinking is best. Going to parts dept at Palm Coast Ford in the AM. A friend has a wholesale account.

[DOOM]

This is what im running.

FORD 31 SPLNE AXLES

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FMS-M-4204-F318C/

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FMS-M-4210-C/

[Go2GuyFL]

This is what im running.

FORD 31 SPLNE AXLES

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FMS-M-4204-F318C/

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FMS-M-4210-C/

Doom ... thanks for the part numbers. Which axles did you put in? JustBob says to go with Ford as there are reports of Moser splitting.

[Blackened300a]

Your axles are wearing not snapping. Going to a 31 spline on a mostly stock NA car is a waste of money. Where are the axles wearing out? You may have another issue that's the cause of your worn axles which going to 31 spline will not resolve.

[DOOM]

Doom ... thanks for the part numbers. Which axles did you put in? JustBob says to go with Ford as there are reports of Moser splitting.


I went with FORD 31 SPLINE AXLES.

Not going to bad talk moser but my choice was ford because quite a few members here have snapped the mosers and I dont know of anyone that has snapped a ford one.

And you all know how I drive my car!

Remember our "test drve" at MV9? :D :drive: :burn: :burnout:

[DOOM]

Did you have the seals & bearings replaced the first time?

That could be your issue.

[Go2GuyFL]

Remember our "test drve" at MV9? :D :drive: :burn: :burnout:

Absolutely! That's why I came here for help. Will see what I can negotiate. Ford said $230 per axle.

[Go2GuyFL]

Did you have the seals & bearings replaced the first time?

Yes! Dorman 28-spline kits from Rock Auto in April 2010. They will be sending me free replacements.

[Go2GuyFL]

Ordered the following today:

(1) AR3Z-4026-A ... pre-assembled carrier for '08 Cobra w carbon clutch
(2) 6W1Z-4234-A ... 31-spline axles for '05 and up CV & GM
(1) M-4210-C ... bearing and seal kit

After install is complete, will rebuild the old carrier w replacement Dorman 28-spline axles, carbon clutch kit, new spider and side gears to sell.

P.S. This thread should be made into a stickie for others to have the correct Ford part numbers.

[Go2GuyFL]

... bump ... (for those following this saga)

[fastblackmerc]

... bump ... (for those following this saga)

Do the axles come with the ABS rings?

[Go2GuyFL]

Do the axles come with the ABS rings?

Yes. Confirmed with Palm Coast Ford Parts Advisor.

[fastblackmerc]

Yes. Confirmed with Palm Coast Ford Parts Advisor.

Good. Sometimes you can get them off... sometimes they break.

[Marauderman]

As I went to replace the Trak-Lok clutches with a carbon fiber kit, was told my axles are scored and need to replace with new side gears and spider gears. Thinking about going to 31-spline but don't know the most cost solution.

Summit Racing suggests a new carreir FMS-M-4204-F318C custom Moser axles. Rock Auto only carries Dorman 28-spline and looking into having them replaced under 5yr/50k mile warranty. Waiting to hear back from Sparta Performance on their Cobra Differential kit. Local Ford dealer can get 31-spline axles at $230 each plus $140 gear kit as I was told both my 3.55 ring/pinion and carrier are good and not splined.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

well,I see you have placed your order--was gonna say what Doom said --thats what I did----



I've got one used 28 spline axle available if that'll be of any help.

I too have my old one taken out with about 9 K miles on it----

[DOOM]

Do the axles come with the ABS rings?

Another reason I went with the FORD axles.

[RF Overlord]

Yes! Dorman 28-spline kits from Rock Auto in April 2010. They will be sending me free replacements.This is VERY interesting.

Phoebe is in the shop right now for a rear axle noise. Tech said axle shafts were bad, along with the pinion bearing...I, too, replaced the axle shafts with Dorman units from Rock Auto in April of 2010. Can you tell me who you spoke too at Rock Auto? After I get the old parts back and confirm the issue I want to talk to them... :mad:

[03mmmonroe]

I've got one used 28 spline axle available if that'll be of any help.

I just installed Ford p/n 3w1z-4a109-aa kit in Cheesehead car for r/r axle worn and making noise. This kit comes with Two 28 spline axle, two bearing and seals and Diff lube and new pin for carrier. The cost of the kit list is $521.23 and whole sale was $416.00 + labor. This job took a few hours more than book time due to the amount of metal we had to flush out of the rear axle.
Rex and I looked at changing to 31 spline but the total cost was closer to $900 dollars in parts 2 axles $450+ 31 spline gear kit for carrier $135 + axle bearing and seals and lube $172.00 + new Cobra clutch $125.00 + labor.
Russ Pryor

[Go2GuyFL]

Phoebe is in the shop right now for a rear axle noise.

Not that I'm blaming you, I did read your write up on Dorman axles being forged rather than cut that lead to my initial purchase. Speak with Scott Walker at Rock Auto. I had him call my mechanic who confirmed the axles are scored right at the bearings. Dorman said they'd replace them in one of two ways ... (a) order a new pair and get a refund when bad ones are received back or (b) return bad ones and wait for new ones. While the parts aren't outrageous, you can never recoup the labor for the rebuild.


Rex and I looked at changing to 31 spline

At first, I thought I only had a problem with clutches and bought a replacement carbon set. When my mechanic reported the axles going bad, again, that's when I decided to commit to 31-spline. I did not list the final pricing I got in my earlier post as the Parts Advisor did me a huge favor. Fortunately, I have a dear friend with a wholesale account.

When we're done upgading to 31-spline, we'll rebuild my former 28-spline carrier and have new axles with gears to sell as a whole unit. I'm hoping to recoup a substantial investment.

I only wish I had gotten to hear Steve Babcock prior to my first Marauder. There'd be two 2004 Silver Birch w/ moonroof Marauders in the driveway (with all existing mods, of course ... tune, headers, x-pipe, etc.).

[Blackened300a]

Just out of curiosity, where are your axles wearing out? Near where the bearings ride like the TSB for 300A's would describe? Is it possible that the rears are low on fluid and causing the wear or would it be a design flaw that the rear requires more oil then suggested? When I pulled my axles out, the rear was filled up where it was required in the diff and I saw hardly any oil at the end of the tube near the seal. On heavy duty trucks, I remove the axles and I have oil all over the place, the same goes for any GM RWD product that I have worked on.

I'm wondering if I should fill my rear up to the plug on the pinion and then add a half quart through the top girdle plug to be certain that I have oil in the tubes which will prevent any future axles issues.

[03mmmonroe]

Just out of curiosity, where are your axles wearing out? Near where the bearings ride like the TSB for 300A's would describe? Is it possible that the rears are low on fluid and causing the wear or would it be a design flaw that the rear requires more oil then suggested? When I pulled my axles out, the rear was filled up where it was required in the diff and I saw hardly any oil at the end of the tube near the seal. On heavy duty trucks, I remove the axles and I have oil all over the place, the same goes for any GM RWD product that I have worked on.

I'm wondering if I should fill my rear up to the plug on the pinion and then add a half quart through the top girdle plug to be certain that I have oil in the tubes which will prevent any future axles issues.



I add about 1/4 to 1/2 qt over the fill plug on the front of the diff. I did change my vent tube (made longer and ran up to top of fuel tank) so I do not get any on the exhaust. I change my rear end lube every year before the Heavy weight shoot out in Atlanta.

When I just did rex’s car I over filled it also and put lube back into the axle tube like I found it when I pulled it apart. Took 3.5 qts to fill.


Russ

[SC Cheesehead]

Just out of curiosity, where are your axles wearing out? Near where the bearings ride like the TSB for 300A's would describe? Is it possible that the rears are low on fluid and causing the wear or would it be a design flaw that the rear requires more oil then suggested? When I pulled my axles out, the rear was filled up where it was required in the diff and I saw hardly any oil at the end of the tube near the seal. On heavy duty trucks, I remove the axles and I have oil all over the place, the same goes for any GM RWD product that I have worked on.

I'm wondering if I should fill my rear up to the plug on the pinion and then add a half quart through the top girdle plug to be certain that I have oil in the tubes which will prevent any future axles issues.


I add about 1/4 to 1/2 qt over the fill plug on the front of the diff. I did change my vent tube (made longer and ran up to top of fuel tank) so I do not get any on the exhaust. I change my rear end lube every year before the Heavy weight shoot out in Atlanta.

When I just did rex’s car I over filled it also and put lube back into the axle tube like I found it when I pulled it apart. Took 3.5 qts to fill.


Russ


What Paul described is exactly what we were thinking. Right axle was worn darn near 1/16" at the bearing contact point, no sign of leakage at the seal, and the fluid level was level with he drain plug when we checked it.

Think we're going to go the overfill route again after we change out the diff lube again next month and put in the synthetic. (Want to make sure we pick up and drain ot any remaining metal shavings).

[RF Overlord]

*SIGH*

Shop called Friday to tell me I had the wrong rear axle housing in my car. I asked what he meant and he said "someone replaced your Marauder rear end with one from a plain Crown Vic." I said :eek: . He told me that I had 28-spline axles and that all Marauders had 31-spline axles according to Moser, who he ordered the axles from. I told him that was absolutely false and that no Marauder ever had 31-spline axles from the factory. Looked it up on Moser's web site, and sure enough, that's what they have listed. :shake: So now because Moser has the wrong info, I have to pay for a rental for 4 more days while they send the CORRECT axles shafts. I'm calling them on Monday and see if they'll do anything for my inconvenience due to their screw-up.

[Go2GuyFL]

according to Moser, who he ordered the axles from

Shouldn't the shop offer you some relief towards the rental because they ordered the wrong parts?

[RF Overlord]

The shop ordered what Moser told them was the correct part, so I don't blame the shop. There aren't many Marauders...like 4...in this whole county, so shops don't have any experience with them.

[Go2GuyFL]

All parts in from Ford. Dropped them off this evening. Should have car back tomorrow or Thursday. Funny, almost shed a tear seeing it in the air on the rack ... pumpkin open and empty with scored axles and chipped gears.