Series front axle shafts

[Alaska Mike]

Well, I have the Seriestrek axleshafts in the rear (24 spline), but for the moment I'm staying with the stock front shafts. I would like to replace them with new ones and carry the old ones as spares.

That said, I'm finding lots of cheaper outer shafts in the $50 range, but no inner shafts. Rovers North has the inners, but it's going to be $1208.08 for both sides complete, which is a bit more than I want to pay for a 10 spline axle. Is there any difference between the shafts D.A.P. and others are selling and the Rovers North shafts? Is there a reason most companies only list the outer shafts?

 

[Mercedesrover]

Don't worry too much about the front shafts, Mike. The trouble with work-hardening of the rear shafts really isn't seen in the front shafts. Yes, there have been incidents where they have broken but they're pretty few and far between. (That said, I think TeriAnn has broken one.) Your little 88" with a four-cylinder plant will be fine. Keep your eyes open for a used set to have on hand, (I have a few and have given a few away) but don't bother spending the money on new ones. I wouldn't worry too much about bringing a spare set along in the truck either. If you do happen to break one, you still have 2wd and can usually get yourself home. If you were running a heavy 109 with a bigger engine or were doing serious off-roading or rock crawling it would be a different story, but I'd stick with what you have.

I'm telling you this and I sell the darn things!

jim

 

[01001010]

Hmmm...so should I (with a Dsl 109 that'll get wheeled and travel alot) consider having spare front axles with me?

 

[Mercedesrover]

Hmmm...so should I (with a Dsl 109 that'll get wheeled and travel alot) consider having spare front axles with me?

I never did and wouldn't bother. There rears are where the trouble is (unless your 109 has a Salisbury) and it's worth carrying a spare set of those. It's also important to change those shafts every 20k-30k if you still have 10-splines back there. But the front? Nah. They're heavy, they're bulky and for the few times I've heard of someone breaking one I don't think it's worth it.

Now, if you're really hammering the truck, carrying a lot of weight and disappearing for weeks at a time into the bush, then you might want to consider upgrading to better diffs and shafts in your 109.

jim

 

[I Leak Oil]

I'd echo Jim's thoughts here but would add that a larger U-joint would be a plus. The only way to get that is to swap shafts. I'm still using my original 10 splines up front with an ARB, stock engine and 32" tires and haven't had any breakage, haven't checked the splines yet either though. My spare set of used shafts have been on the shelf for 8 years now.....
Jason T.

 

[01001010]

Thanks for the info guys!!! That's great news! Unfortunately, I do not have a Sals. I was thinkin about getting one off a 110 that was being parted out locally but I think I'll just go with HD shafts in the rear since I really want to keep the truck with as much of what it came with as possible.

 

[I Leak Oil]

Thanks for the info guys!!! That's great news! Unfortunately, I do not have a Sals. I was thinkin about getting one off a 110 that was being parted out locally but I think I'll just go with HD shafts in the rear since I really want to keep the truck with as much of what it came with as possible.

For less than the cost of a new set of shafts (you need to switch the diff too = More $$$) you can find a salisbury off a SIII 109" that will bolt right into your truck, then just get the drive shaft shortened. You'll end up with a much stronger gear set, axle housing and shafts over the original.
BTW, a 110 axle is wider, different ratio, and would need to have spring/shock mounts welded on.
Jason T.

 

[Alaska Mike]

The truck may see some "heavy" wheeling (depends on your idea of heavy). Basically the high side will be Purches Creek trail. My Jeep is pictured crossing Purches Creek in the Extreme Outback Products ad in the Outdoor Journal (page 19 in the Gear Guide). That trail throws hillclimbs, deep mud, rocks, and water crossings at you in less than 10 miles. I don't think I've ever been there and not had to pull cable at one point ot another. However, I tend to be fairly easy on my drivetrain, so I might just replace the axle shaft ujoints and call it good.

Thanks guys, that's $1000+ I can spend elsewhere, like on chrome spinners...

 

[Yorker]

Your front end will be ok- I've seen more broken front CVs on coilers than broken front Series axles.(Why? I don't know? maybe weight? Lockers?On road wear and tear from full time 4wd?) I was going to send a set to Bobby Long just to see what foot pounds they really do pop at and where, I still need to dig out my spares and send to him.


Even the later series 1 ton 109s which ran 9.00 16s used standard front axles.

The rear end is where all the trouble is. What would be ideal IMHO is a 4.7 ratio Toyota rear end and 30 spline rear axles. Even in a 109 that would be a nice solution.