Factory axles 31 or 28 spline?

[MarauderPU]

I am going to 4:10 gears and do a little drag racing and road racing in my Marauder chassised 63 Ford F100. Are the factory axles 31 spline or 28? Anybody narrowed their Marauder rear end or gotten rid of the C-clips for a typical axle retention bearing?

Thanks

[Merrill]

The factory axles are 28 spline but in 05 the CV went to 31 spline so you can change over with Ford stuff if you want to.

[RF Overlord]

Be advised that early-build '05s were still 28 spline. It was a running change.

[lifespeed]

Has anybody done the 31 spline conversion using Ford axles? I am contemplating doing this as part of the 100K mile axle service. Why change spider gears and clutches and retain the 28 spline parts? Not to mention the labor.

Is the axle length exactly the same? I just pulled the trigger on the TCE big brake conversion, which is designed around the factory axle flange location. Don't really want to change it and throw a huge monkey wrench into the brake project.

I don't suppose the 31 spline axles improves on the bearing rolling directly on the axle issue? They are just service parts, designed to be regularly replaced . . . :( I'm not too keen on C-clip eliminators and modifying the axle housing with the potential for leaks, and moving the axle flange location.

[ImpalaSlayer]

Has anybody done the 31 spline conversion using Ford axles? I am contemplating doing this as part of the 100K mile axle service. Why change spider gears and clutches and retain the 28 spline parts? Not to mention the labor.

Is the axle length exactly the same? I just pulled the trigger on the TCE big brake conversion, which is designed around the factory axle flange location. Don't really want to change it and throw a huge monkey wrench into the brake project.

I don't suppose the 31 spline axles improves on the bearing rolling directly on the axle issue? They are just service parts, designed to be regularly replaced . . . :( I'm not too keen on C-clip eliminators and modifying the axle housing with the potential for leaks, and moving the axle flange location.
as long as you have an 03 or newer panther the swap is a bolt in deal with the newer CV axle. the older cars had a narrower rear end.

[SC Cheesehead]

Has anybody done the 31 spline conversion using Ford axles? I am contemplating doing this as part of the 100K mile axle service. Why change spider gears and clutches and retain the 28 spline parts? Not to mention the labor.

Is the axle length exactly the same? I just pulled the trigger on the TCE big brake conversion, which is designed around the factory axle flange location. Don't really want to change it and throw a huge monkey wrench into the brake project.

I don't suppose the 31 spline axles improves on the bearing rolling directly on the axle issue? They are just service parts, designed to be regularly replaced . . . :( I'm not too keen on C-clip eliminators and modifying the axle housing with the potential for leaks, and moving the axle flange location.

Yup, quite a few 28 to 31 spline Ford axle swaps with good results. Actually, unless you're looking at making big HP, the 28 splines will work fine, and unless you've got an issue with soft axles, 100K miles shouldn't pose a problem. (The clutches are another matter.... ;))

[lifespeed]

Yup, quite a few 28 to 31 spline Ford axle swaps with good results. Actually, unless you're looking at making big HP, the 28 splines will work fine, and unless you've got an issue with soft axles, 100K miles shouldn't pose a problem. (The clutches are another matter.... ;))

It turned out my axles were worn. I replaced with 31 spline and new Ford limited slip. Quiet and smooth now.

[SC Cheesehead]

It turned out my axles were worn. I replaced with 31 spline and new Ford limited slip. Quiet and smooth now.

Yup, been there, done that myself, lotsa rumbling from the rear end prior to replacement.

[lifespeed]

Yup, been there, done that myself, lotsa rumbling from the rear end prior to replacement.

That was at 96K miles. And it had been whining (faint) and rumbling for at least 30K before that.

I hope the new axles last longer, that is really not very good longevity. I hate the bearing-rolls-on-the-axle design. But C-clip eliminators are not that appealing either, as it seems most designs are prone to leaking.

I guess the only real solution is to pull the axle out and ship it off to have 9" axle housing ends welded on. But then how will you mount the brakes?

Quite the can of worms.

[ctrlraven]

I've got 180K+ miles on stock 04 axles, had bearings replaced around 150K miles along with 4.10s and new FRPP 28-spline diff. Only leaks I have are just from the TA diff cover, wouldn't even really call them leaks, just weeping which I'll be taking care soon.

[MOTOWN]

That was at 96K miles. And it had been whining (faint) and rumbling for at least 30K before that.

I hope the new axles last longer, that is really not very good longevity. I hate the bearing-rolls-on-the-axle design. But C-clip eliminators are not that appealing either, as it seems most designs are prone to leaking.

I guess the only real solution is to pull the axle out and ship it off to have 9" axle housing ends welded on. But then how will you mount the brakes?

Quite the can of worms.

You would need to use 9" ford brakes specific to your housing ends

[lifespeed]

I've got 180K+ miles on stock 04 axles, had bearings replaced around 150K miles along with 4.10s and new FRPP 28-spline diff. Only leaks I have are just from the TA diff cover, wouldn't even really call them leaks, just weeping which I'll be taking care soon.

The leak comments were regarding hacking off the ends of the axle housing for "C-clip eliminators".

Did your axles show any wear when you replaced the bearings? It is pretty much unheard of for them to be in excellent condition with that many miles. Just because you didn't change the axles doesn't mean they didn't need it . . . Or you're a really lucky guy.

[lifespeed]

You would need to use 9" ford brakes specific to your housing ends

Yeah, I really didn't want to get into that level of custom engineering when excellent bolt-on brakes are available, for a price. I guess I'll just change axles and bearings every 100K miles.

[MOTOWN]

Yeah, I really didn't want to get into that level of custom engineering when excellent bolt-on brakes are available, for a price. I guess I'll just change axles and bearings every 100K miles.

you shouldnt have that issue once you get a good set of axles and bearings, i took my oems out @ 107k and they look like brand new!