Rear axles?????

[lotsagas4u]

Guys, looking to rebuild my a rear end sometime this year. Can NOS axles still be had? Are the newly made axles worth buying? Just collecting parts for now, need some sound advice.

Thanks for your thoughts

[DJ S]

I just recently rebuilt my rear axle and it was certainly difficult to find a good set of axles... We took apart probably 3 rear ends to come up with a good set. If you do not have access to a good pile of axles to go through, the new ones might be worth the money.

[Tom Endy]

My experience is that I would avoid reproduction rear axle shafts. For one, they are over $600 each and they come with possible failure modes. The gear portion is welded to the shaft, and I have seen several where the weld failed. In years past I encountered several where the gear diameter was incorrect, and they jammed inside the carrier.

Your best bet is to locate originals. Contact Berts in Denver. A serviceable original should have good threads and not have any cracks at the key slot.

Tom Endy

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by Tom Endy

My experience is that I would avoid reproduction rear axle shafts. For one, they are over $600 each and they come with possible failure modes. The gear portion is welded to the shaft, and I have seen several where the weld failed. In years past I encountered several where the gear diameter was incorrect, and they jammed inside the carrier.

Your best bet is to locate originals. Contact Berts in Denver. A serviceable original should have good threads and not have any cracks at the key slot.

Tom Endy

Another thing I found on my pickup - the key slot for the hub is to tightly fit a 1/4" key. On one of my axles the slot was quite a bit wider so the fit is sloppy, to say the least. Doesn't look banged up, just wide, like it was made that way. The taper was another story, gouged and rough. I carefully filed off the high points and it fits OK onto the hub. I'm going to use it for now while I search for a good one.

JayJay

[doa44green]

Originally Posted by lotsagas4u

Guys, looking to rebuild my a rear end sometime this year. Can NOS axles still be had? Are the newly made axles worth buying? Just collecting parts for now, need some sound advice.

Thanks for your thoughts

I have several good axle shafts and housings.

[GeneBob]

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Steve at Bert's Model A can probably help you if you don't find some axles closer to you. Bert's has a large selection of original parts sorted in their warehouse. Good people, Steve and Tim and I cannot remember their engine guy's name but all are patient and helpful.

[lotsagas4u]

Just got off the phone with Steve at Bert's, bought a pair from him. Thanks for all the reply's.

[SteveB31]

Tom Endy- the welded two piece axles havent been made for several years. The ones made now are one piece, USA made and very nice.

[40 Deluxe]

Originally Posted by lotsagas4u

Guys, looking to rebuild my a rear end sometime this year. Can NOS axles still be had? Are the newly made axles worth buying? Just collecting parts for now, need some sound advice.

Thanks for your thoughts

If the taper on your axles is rough and scored, the hubs will also be rough and scored. A close taper fit is important! This what actually moves the car, not the key! When/if the axle nut is under torqued, the key can shear or wallow out the key. Minor damage can be corrected by lapping with valve grinding compound.

[lotsagas4u]

2 shims on each axle, to keep drum off backing plates. Its time to replace them.

Thank you for the reply.

[katy]

Originally Posted by JayJay

On one of my axles the slot was quite a bit wider so the fit is sloppy, to say the least. Doesn't look banged up, just wide, like it was made that way. JayJay

It sounds like you need a stepped key.