2021 semi float axle shaft discussion.

[cruisermatt]

Who’s had to deal with worn out axle shaft bearing surfaces lately?
Good used shafts are getting hard to find.

Anyone been running the Nitro replacements? Doesn’t say anything on their site about then being chromolly any more, which is good for bearing surface longevity. Can’t find any reports of anyone running them. Looks like SOR has new shafts, guessing they’re Nitros?

Anyone had any luck with machine shops welding up and re grinding bearing surfaces on original shafts?

 

[OPMACHINE]

I do not have any specific info on the FJ40 axle shaft material. Commercial axle shafts are often made from 4140. Heat from welding tends to harden the material around the weld, making it brittle. Preheating the shaft and using a low alloy filler rod would help.

TIG welding the shafts and turning them to spec in a lathe is a viable option in my option if done correctly by a competent welder and machinist.

 

[cruisermatt]

I do not have any specific info on the FJ40 axle shaft material. Commercial axle shafts are often made from 4140. Heat from welding tends to harden the material around the weld, making it brittle. Preheating the shaft and using a low alloy filler rod would help.

TIG welding the shafts and turning them to spec in a lathe is a viable option in my option if done correctly by a competent welder and machinist.

I would think grinding to size on a crankshaft machine would be the way to go

 

[too tall]

I have lots of semi float shafts if anyone needs some. Have you checked to see if there are speedi sleeves in that size?Not sure if they would be hard enough or if they might move under weight combined with heat ? I used to have semi float shafts that poly performance made. Guess they weren't too bad but I did break a set a long time ago.They did warranty them and I believe they are still working in another guys truck still, granted they were twisted when I gave them away.

 

[3_puppies]

assume you're referring to the later axles versus the older axles which had a different bearing setup?

60 series short side is the same as 40 short side

 

[cruisermatt]

Yes. The more common non-raced style.

 

[cruisermatt]

 

[OPMACHINE]

Agreed, better finish potential on a grinder. 4140 turns really nicely so I believe it is also very viable on a CNC lathe with the proper tooling, speeds and feeds.

 

[Clutchee]

Have you approached Dutchman axles?

I just had a custom set made for the buggy, they might be a resource.

Just throwing it out there.

 

[cruisermatt]

I ended up getting a pair of the new Nitro stock replacement axles to try out. Will post pics of install once the new lug studs, gasket, dust seal etc come in

 

[65swb45]

I ended up getting a pair of the new Nitro stock replacement axles to try out. Will post pics of install once the new lug studs, gasket, dust seal etc come in

And…

 

[cruisermatt]

And…

Funny, we were actually finally getting to working on this today!

I was missing the oil deflector gaskets so didnt get to putting the lugs in, ended up moving onto working on the front axle.

No pics of shafts themselves but initial impressions seem good! OEM bearings fit perfectly onto the race surfaces during test fit, and splines fit nicely into spiders.

Building a pair of 8/80-up axles for @teleskier. Every nut, bolt seal, etc new OEM where possible

 

[Firemedic831]

I know of several people that have run the Nitros and have snapped them . They all believe they are to hard and do not twist as much as a stock axle therefore they just snap . Have you tried calling RCV ?

 

[cruisermatt]

I know of several people that have run the Nitros and have snapped them . They all believe they are to hard and do not twist as much as a stock axle therefore they just snap . Have you tried calling RCV ?

I think you are mixing up these with either another brand or another application, I don’t think these have been out for very long.

 

[Firemedic831]

These were all in 60 series but all were certainly Nitros

 

[White Stripe]

From what I understand sor would buy up all of certain limited items toyota had in stock making themselves the only source. My guess is the sor shafts are oem most likely.