Solid Axle Swap

[jonheld]

So with all that said, how many actual rear axle failures have occurred? I mean is this a common failure or an unheard of failure?

I have to say, since I started this thread I'm becoming less enchanted with the 100. My old and crusty 80 is looking pretty good right now.

 

[spressomon]

Maybe others but I am aware Skidoo has had at least one rear axle bearing/seal failure. I've had four now; however I am relatively certain at least one of my rear axle seal/bearing failures had to do with a plugged diff breather line.

Now I've got 1/2" ID clear hose running vertically from the diff housing (drilled and tapped for larger ID fitting too) up to the tailgate area that seems to have solved my breather issues. Expanding hot air in the diff and sloshing of the diff lube caused the diff lube to migrate up the 1/4" ID line I was using and then collected in the flat run of the same diff breather line I was using along the frame...on its way to the firewall.

I've been told they see this issue in desert racing particularly. So larger ID, vertical runs of tubing and as short as possible seem to keep pressure build up to a minimum and under control.


Jon, I think the point is none of the models are perfect. At the end of the day you just have to figure out what's most important and what negatives you can live with. From what little I know and never have had the opportunity to even see one let alone drive one...the diesel 105 would be the one I'd pick if it were an option for us in NA. But I guess its all moot anyway unless I want to relocate

 

[CreeperSleeper]

I do pretty well keeping up with the mini trucks in our group. Both are total custom trailer queens with ridiculous articulation, double low transfer cases 36" Swampers, hydro steering, yadda yadda yadda. I don't fear the body damage any more and can do 98% of the lines they take. They make it look easy and I struggle and bang my way through. But at the end of the day, I swap on street tires and drive my junk home. I absolutely love that about my truck. It's equally at home picking up lumber at Home Depot and wheeling the piss out of it in Pritchett Canyon or Upper and Lower 2 in Tellico or any of the number of the more challenging trails I've done over the last 20 years.

Ha! Go look at my posts from 4 or 5 years ago. You sound just like me... I never said it couldn't do it, I said in the long run it's not worth it. Oh, and I usually drive my Mini the hour to my wheeling area and around town on unbalanced bias Iroks and homemade beadlocks.

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