I am in the process of replacing my half shaft axle stubs in my 71 big block. What is better, the reconditioned originals or the replacements??? I do not want to do this again and want the strongest ones out there, paragon and corvette central both sell them, cc is much cheaper than paragon on the recon originals
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Re: stub axle question
Jeff -
You might want to check with Tom's Differentials in California if you're after the strongest yokes or spindles you can find; his stuff is the strongest you'll find anywhere. -
Re: stub axle question
Jeff-----
With these stub axles, the main problem is not strength, per se. The axles will stand up to just about anything that a Corvette engine can throw at them. For modified engines, stronger axles such as those available from Tom's Differential as John described may be in order, though.
The main problem with the stub axles is that they are case hardened. This means that the hardened portion of the metal is thin and, sometimes, thinner than it should be from the "get-go". As the axle bears on the spider gear shaft, the case hardening is worn through. After the case hardening is worn through, the axle continues to wear at a much faster rate since there is no hardening to "slow it down".
The rebuilt stub axles include an end "button" which is THROUGH HARDENED. The THROUGH-HARDENED button, which is between 1/2" to 3/4" thick replaces that much of the end of the axle shaft. You're NEVER going to wear through 1/2" to 3/4" of a through hardened button. You'd NEVER live long enough to do that. In fact, the amount of wear that will occur on this button is so slight that the reconditioned axle is, basically, a lifetime axle. Since no strength is necessary for the inner 1/2" to 3/4" of the axle (this portion is INSIDE THE SPIDER GEAR SPLINES), there is no strength lost by the installation of the button. So, it's really a "perfect" repair solution.
However, if you wish to use premium, NEW axles with outstanding hardening and high quality, use those manufactured by International Axle of Brainerd, MN. These are the best axles on the market today and are significantly superior to even NOS GM axles.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: stub axle question
Jeff,
I'll add this to Joe's correct comments on stub axles. "International Axle" rear spindles have virtually zero runout (.0005') and are very strong. The hub differs slightly from original, as it is machined and not rough cast.
JoeComment
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Re: stub axle question
tom's diff has moved from paramount ca to i think idaho---correction tom moved and i have not done business with the new people---i talked to tom a couple of months ago and he is or has turned over the business to his son---he did'nt have stub axles ready to go as the caps were temporarily missing ,due to the move, and are needed for fitting to mate correctly to the axle---Comment
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Re: stub axle question
PHIL------
Yes, I noted some time ago that Tom's Differential has moved to Idaho. From what I saw on their web-site at that time, it looked like their product line has been drastically reduced. I don't know if the plan is to "ramp up" again after they fully "settle in" at the new location. Tom's has always been an excellent place to get driveline parts that are hard to find elsewhere. Also, they are one of the few sources for U.S. Gear-manufactured ring and pinion sets. They ordered the large product runs that U.S. gear requires. I consider U.S. Gear R&P sets to be the best on the market.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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