About Off Road Axles

One 4x4 part which takes an extreme amount of abuse is off road axles and their housings. Replacing or upgrading the axle is something which every off roader should consider, particularly if you’ve added bigger aftermarket wheels and tires. Larger tires than the factory standard mean increased leverage on the axle tube and its attachment to the differential. Beefier tires also weigh more and if they are positively offset, their location farther out from the frame means even more stress on the axle tubes. U-joints and ring gears can also become casualties of front and rear axles which don’t properly support the stresses of off-roading.

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Upgrade or Replace?

Consider first, however, how much you have to spend. Complete off road axles can be quite pricey, but might be well worth the cost depending on what you wish to accomplish via replacement. The price tag for an upgrade can run anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Of course, the more you spend, the greater the strength you will gain, and if this is the most important factor for your vehicle and how you use it, then a complete axle replacement may be appropriate.

There are a wide variety of aftermarket axles of excellent quality to choose from, as well as new and trusted manufacturers. Finding a stronger axle designed to work with the factory suspension, stability control, and ABS of your vehicle is as easy as scrolling through the options at an online off road parts specialist. Consider buying a larger size axle of the same brand which is one or more steps up from the one installed by the factory on your vehicle. Keep in mind, however, that new wheels might have to accompany the new axle to match the bolt patterns, for instance going from an 8-bolt hole pattern to one that is 10-hole. Sometimes, other parts will have to be replaced, as well, adding to the total cost.

A less expensive way to go is to upgrade the current configuration without completely replacing the axle assemblies themselves. GM and Ford are two makes which can be upgraded to a 30-spline rear axle, which will enhance strength. Flanged axle upgrades are available for Jeeps and for Toyotas, high-pinion units with bigger bearings are a cost-effective alternative to a complete replacement of axle assemblies.

Axle shafts are another upgrade which will translate to being less expensive than replacing the entire axles themselves. Consider a forged front axle shaft to take the place of the stock unit to add a great deal of strength. Larger u-joints are also available with these upgrades, giving another boost to extreme performance capabilities.

Off road axles are an important component of your 4x4. Whether you choose to replace the complete axle or just perform an upgrade to one or more components, ensure that you are aware of the total cost upfront and be prepared to do some serious off roading.