Axle Tube Twist?

[Pappa John]

I looked under the jeep today, and found something interesting. On the rear axle there are two small ports that are on the third member housing. Looking at the jeep from the rear I could see that the painted sections in these ports had twisted upwards. So, I could see a "crescent moon" shape of bare metal.

I spoke with a local offroad shop and they said it is pretty common, and if I just do mild to moderate trail without modulating the gas and brake at the same time everything will be fine.

Has anyone else heard of or experienced this?

 

[OverlandZJ]

This is on your 2010?

Those holes are where the tube gets plug welded, they shouldnt spin but i have heard of it before. I would think this would affect the suspension geometry, rotating the coil, shock and panhard if attached to that side.

This is common on Ford 8.8's and why most have the tubes fully welded if they intend to wheel it moderately.

If it were mine i'd swing by the dealer requesting a new axle.

 

[Pappa John]

Thanks for the info. Yeah it's the 2010. I put some paint on teh holes and marked if to see if they move again.

 

[alosix]

Thanks for the info. Yeah it's the 2010. I put some paint on teh holes and marked if to see if they move again.

if its a 2010, take it back to the dealer and demand a new axle.

pull the lift first if you are worried.

 

[Root Moose]

... and if I just do mild to moderate trail without modulating the gas and brake at the same time everything will be fine.

Ok, just file that under ******?! and move on. Don't ask off-road shops for mechanical advice.

If it were mine i'd swing by the dealer requesting a new axle.

What he said.

 

[Jeffb79]

I'd definitely go back to the dealer and give them the ****** look. Hopefully they're replace it under warranty. Afterwards, I'd take the new axle to a fab shop and have them weld the tube seams all the way around. A truss wouldn't hurt either.
If my tubes were twisted, I don't think I'd feel comfortable driving around on them for very long.

 

[ntsqd]

IF these are Dana axles then those holes may not be for welding the tubes in place. They are there for the all too infrequently used tool to R&R the differential. Since I have that tool I would not work on a axle with welding in those holes.

 

[Root Moose]

Yep.

Good practice is welding where the tube is pressed into the differential housing. If you plug those holes you may never get a case spreader into them again.

 

[OverlandZJ]

IF these are Dana axles then those holes may not be for welding the tubes in place. They are there for the all too infrequently used tool to R&R the differential. Since I have that tool I would not work on a axle with welding in those holes.

I forgot about those, next to the diff cover. These are used for the placement of a case spreader.

I was under the impression he spoke of the holes at top and bottom.