I've Got Soft Axles

[PurdueRifleman]

As I was afraid of, it looks like my car has the infamous soft axle issue. Without going into a lot of details here, I'm needing a set of replacement axles very soon. I was just curious as to if I should try to get OEM replacements or if I should just spring for an aftermarket replacement. If aftermarket, what manufacturer and are 31 spline axles necessary for a car that's likely going to be N/A for the foreseeable future?

Thanks in advance

PR

[03mmmonroe]

As I was afraid of, it looks like my car has the infamous soft axle issue. Without going into a lot of details here, I'm needing a set of replacement axles very soon. I was just curious as to if I should try to get OEM replacements or if I should just spring for an aftermarket replacement. If aftermarket, what manufacturer and are 31 spline axles necessary for a car that's likely going to be N/A for the foreseeable future?

Thanks in advance

PR

Ford has a repair kit with axles,bearings,seals and diff lube just for this repair. Was the best price for all the parts needed. If you only need one axle my may be able to get one used from some one and then you will still need the bearing and seal and the lube.

[PurdueRifleman]

I'm just needing the axles.

[fastblackmerc]

As I was afraid of, it looks like my car has the infamous soft axle issue. Without going into a lot of details here, I'm needing a set of replacement axles very soon. I was just curious as to if I should try to get OEM replacements or if I should just spring for an aftermarket replacement. If aftermarket, what manufacturer and are 31 spline axles necessary for a car that's likely going to be N/A for the foreseeable future?

Thanks in advance

PR
31 spline axles won't be necessary for a NA car.

You'll also need a 31 spline carrier.

I'd go with Ford or Moser replacement axles. i believe there were fitment issues with axles from Rock Auto, etc.

[PurdueRifleman]

31 spline axles won't be necessary for a NA car.

You'll also need a 31 spline carrier.

I'd go with Ford or Moser replacement axles. i believe there were fitment issues with axles from Rock Auto, etc.

Are the driver and passenger side axles the same? After doing a quick search, I can only find driver side OEM replacement axles.

[MM2004]

I'm just needing the axles.

Forrest,

You do not need 31 spline axles, unless you plan on serious RWH.

I would recommend finding the Ford kit as 03mmmonroe (Russ) suggested, and do it right.

Replace bearings, axles, seals, etc.

You got 410's, (I believe?), so save up and get her all done up right in one fell swoop.

Of course, you will need a tune for the 410's.

Keep us posted.

;)

Mike.

[Blackened300a]

Summit carries Dorman axles for a decent price. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/RNB-630-214/

They include the wheel studs and ABS ring installed. Like was said, no need for a 31 spline upgrade in a N/A car or even in mildly modded SC cars either.

[boatmangc]

I bought the Dorman from Rock Auto, went right in, no fitment issues,they came with bearings and seals.
Supposedly they are forged. I'm not certain but they have taken a beating since I put them in for sure.

[Krytin]

Summit carries Dorman axles for a decent price. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/RNB-630-214/

They include the wheel studs and ABS ring installed. Like was said, no need for a 31 spline upgrade in a N/A car or even in mildly modded SC cars either.

They even come w/corect lugnuts if you search the part as a Marauder replacement - at least both of mine did!

[DEFYANT]

Stock axles here. Stock axles all you need.

[DOOM]

Viagra! :2thumbs:

[ctrlraven]

Viagra! :2thumbs:
That's what she said!

[magindat]

Is 'axle' the new politically correct term? I can't keep up.

[justbob]

I have two axles from the Ford replacement kit, probably around 15/20 thousand miles. I upgraded to 31 spline. $100 plus shipping if you want.

Sent from my Ally using Tapatalk 2

[mikethejackal]

I'd go with Ford or Moser replacement axles. X 2. I think for the difference in price the Moser axles are a better investment & will give you piece of mind. IMHO

[RF Overlord]

I'd be wary of the Dorman axles. Someone here, I believe it was babbage, had his Dorman replacements wear out very quickly, as did I. Second the vote for Ford or Moser.

[DOOM]

I'd be wary of the Dorman axles. Someone here, I believe it was babbage, had his Dorman replacements wear out very quickly, as did I. Second the vote for Ford or Moser.

FORD or nothing!!!

[Chevyguy]

More to the point..

HOW chewed are the axles??

IF just pitted and leaky then you can just replace the axles and clean the housing out good. These were from a 2000 Police model with 98K miles and a stock 3.55 and Trac loc


http://i348.photobucket.com/albums/q329/folingo/2001%20Crown%20Victoria/355%20trac%20loc%20axle%20proj ect/SL370965.jpg

The bottom one here was already chewed enough to damage the carrier bearings (did take 50K more miles to do it) the groove was deep enough to feel and there was debris in the axle tube I cleaned out as much as possible but it needed a full teardown and cleanup. This is at 120K on my 2001 Crown Vic with the original fluid no doubt.

http://i348.photobucket.com/albums/q329/folingo/2001%20Crown%20Victoria/355%20trac%20loc%20axle%20proj ect/axlecloseup-1.jpg

This is worse from a 03 Police Crown Vic with only 90K miles

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/2972/0701072117mediumau1.jpg

The whole axle assy needs rebuilding at this point, even the ring/pinion can get damaged.

[mrjones]

I'll do a second on the Dorman kit. I put one in my 04 with no problems. The kit came with axle, bearing, seal, lugs installed, and spare different size lugs. I paid less than $100 at O'Reillys with our discount. That's $100 per side, btw. Got about 15K on them now and no problems.

[Go2GuyFL]

FORD or nothing!!!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
What DOOM said! Replaced my Dorman's with 31 spline Ford axles. Righteous for my 3.55 N/A.

[Go2GuyFL]

Order the following parts from FORD:

(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

P.S. This post should be a sticky for others with the soft axle problem.

[SC Cheesehead]

The bottom one here was already chewed enough to damage the carrier bearings (did take 50K more miles to do it) the groove was deep enough to feel and there was debris in the axle tube I cleaned out as much as possible but it needed a full teardown and cleanup. This is at 120K on my 2001 Crown Vic with the original fluid no doubt.




http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/2972/0701072117mediumau1.jpg

The whole axle assy needs rebuilding at this point, even the ring/pinion can get damaged.

Looks familiar.... :(

03mmmonroe replaced mine at 70K, D/S axle looked like this, took 2 1/2 hours and tons of cleaner and rags to get the metal shavings out; ring and pinion were okay, but replaced the clutch packs.

[Chevyguy]

I used a Dorman Axle on my 2001. I did not have any problems till I traded it in, but the supplied ABS ring caused problems where I was getting a short burst of ABS activation just before stopping sometimes. I thought it was a dying HCU but figured out it was the Dorman ABS ring sometime after trading the car.

[mrjones]

I understand wanting to keep your Ford all Ford, but how did those original Ford axles work out for you? My 03 had axles installed in it under warranty TWICE. I replaced one in my 04 at 145K, so that one was not too bad. Does Ford have an axle plant and actually make their own axles, or are they bought from someone else?

[MOTOWN]

Ford has an axle plant in Sterling heights MI

[SC Cheesehead]

I understand wanting to keep your Ford all Ford, but how did those original Ford axles work out for you? My 03 had axles installed in it under warranty TWICE. I replaced one in my 04 at 145K, so that one was not too bad. Does Ford have an axle plant and actually make their own axles, or are they bought from someone else?


Ford has an axle plant in Sterling heights MI

It all comes down to heat treating and metallurgy. Would be interested in seeing the QC data for early 2003 production runs.

[MOTOWN]

It all comes down to heat treating and metallurgy. Would be interested in seeing the QC data for early 2003 production runs.

Your 100% correct!, the qc data for that time frame is entitled epic screw up:mad:

[yjmud]

Had the axle problem a year ago
replaced one on the side of the highway didn't clean that great but it got me back home
now I am going to 31's and a trutrac

[Baaad GN]

HMMMMMMMMM has anyone noticed besides me, anytime something goes wrong Justbob chimes in with I have an extra set of those if ya need them, he must have a regular parts store in his garage!

[justbob]

HMMMMMMMMM has anyone noticed besides me, anytime something goes wrong Justbob chimes in with I have an extra set of those if ya need them, he must have a regular parts store in his garage!

LOL So not true! Just the right parts.;)

Sent from my Ally using Tapatalk 2

[PurdueRifleman]

I just wanted to pop in and say thanks to everyone for the help. I was able to find a set of replacement axles locally and now I have my 4.10s installed, the right way. It's been worth every penny!