Nitro Rear FF axle shafts

[baldilocks]

I'm about to order a set of Nitro rear chromoly shafts for my 93. What has your experience been with these? Are they worth it? I run 35's, for now, will be installing 3.1 low range gears soon and find myself in the rocks quite often on the Rubicon and such.

Stories of broken rear FF shafts is not all that common but it does happen. I was thinking, rather than carrying so many spare parts, I'd go with "stronger" shafts. Your facts and opinions would be appreciated.

 

[scottryana]

I doubt anyone has any experience with the Nitro shafts. They used to be PolyPerformance shafts until recently when Nitro took them over. No idea if Nitro was making them all along or not. If you upgrade your shafts I would also suggest upgrading your hub studs.

 

[woody]

I've got them installed...zero complaints thus far.

My stock short-side had splines that were slightly twisted, and caused the E-Locker to hang on both engage and disengage...finally pulled them and upgraded.

 

[baldilocks]

I doubt anyone has any experience with the Nitro shafts. They used to be PolyPerformance shafts until recently when Nitro took them over. No idea if Nitro was making them all along or not. If you upgrade your shafts I would also suggest upgrading your hub studs.

I have already purchased ARP hub studs. Are these really an upgrade? I guess they are all we can do short of drilling and tapping for 7/16" grade 8 bolts.

 

[baldilocks]

I've got them installed...zero complaints thus far.

My stock short-side had splines that were slightly twisted, and caused the E-Locker to hang on both engage and disengage...finally pulled them and upgraded.

My splines appear to be straight but at 271k, there is some wear at the splines and seal surface too. I also question whether or not the harder stock shafts are as tough as the were when new.

 

[scottryana]

So my $0.02, yes the ARP studs are a slight upgrade, I just know that I was able to sheer all the stock studs off with the Poly Performance axles, I am sure that was the intended fuse, but they all sheered off flush with the hub so made removal a chore.

If you have E-lockers do the Nitro axles have the splines machined to be able to remove the axle if you do twist it? If you are running 35's and stock engine you are probably going to be just fine with either the stock or Nitro axles. I remember Poly was saying their axles were good up to 40's.