Rear Axle Failure Question

[Nuked Beaver]

I was thinking of carrying a spare rear axle as part of the parts I lug around but was wondering if it is necessary. If the rear axle breaks can you simply remove the inner broken shaft from the carrier and continue to drive, or will the press fit bearing not be able to hold the stress and the wheel will fall off? I understand that in a Full floating axle the shaft can simply be removed but Toyota axles use 4 bolts to retain the axle shaft to the axle housing.

Who here has broken a rear axle?

 

[Hyde802]

It does happen, but its not very common. They also make chromo replacement shafts if for some. In fact, marlin has them on sale now.

https://www.marlincrawler.com/axle/rear-axle-parts/chromoly-rear-axles

Mini trucks are a semi-float rear axle, so no, you cant just pull the shaft out and keep on trucking. With the axle removed, the bearing has nothing to ride on and you have nothing to bolt the wheel to.

They make full floater conversions for these axles. In that case the bearing is supported by the spindle and the wheel is on its own hub, so you can just pull the shaft out.

Front Range Off-Road Fabrication

Axle Flange, Rear, Toyota, Full Float - RuffStuff Specialties

It would be best to carry a spare shaft with a bearing already on it.. breaks and stuff too, or just no breaks and pinch the line off. Youll have a heck of a time trying to switch that bearing to the non broken shaft out on the trail.

 

[Nuked Beaver]

Where is the most common failure point, does it shear off near the third member or near the press fit bearing?

 

[slowpoke99]

I've only broken two rear shafts (also running Detroit locker) in the ten years that I wheeled my '88. Both broke on the diff side of the axle. I was able to remove the broken inner section of the shaft and limp off the trail. Like Hyde said, it's not very common but it does happen.

 

[KidVermicious]

^ That's some serious limping. Without support from the inner bearing, the axle wobbles in the outer.

 

[nevada]

Toyota rear axles are VERY strong.
I have yet to break one, or even see one broken on the trail.

I would never think to carry a spare.


that said, I do REALLY like the idea of converting it to a full floater. its just a better system all around. I wont ever do that tho, i'll just swap in 1ton gear

 

[Hyde802]

^Yes to all of that.

 

[KidVermicious]

that said, I do REALLY like the idea of converting it to a full floater. its just a better system all around. I wont ever do that tho, i'll just swap in 1ton gear

Me too. I don't carry a spare rear, and if I ever get to flogging my truck hard enough that I need one, it's time for 60s anyway.

 

[slowpoke99]

^ That's some serious limping. Without support from the inner bearing, the axle wobbles in the outer.

You can say that again! Cost me the rear housing but luckily it held enough to get me back to my trailer. Been considering a full floater kit myself but like Nevada said, I'd probably go tons instead.