RE: Axles and Rust

[Dave64 <lt7dave@xxxxxxxxx>]

The pitting is on the larger diameter of the shaft.  The splines and narrower sections of the shafts are fine.  The pits that are on the axles are fairly superficial anyway.  

Thanks to all who responded.  You guys confirmed my initial opinion that I can use them without worry.  I have the new bearings and seals on the way for 1/4 of the cost of new axles.  Thanks for the help!

Dave

--- On Thu, 5/6/10, Ray Bell <raybell@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> From: Ray Bell <raybell@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: RE: Axles and Rust
> To: 1962to1965mopars@xxxxxxxxxx
> Date: Thursday, May 6, 2010, 5:58 PM
> 
> To get to the nitty gritty, Dave, it really depends on
> where the pitting 
> is located. 
> 
> If it's in the small section between the end of the spline
> and where the 
> axle steps up to a bigger diameter, then it's potentially a
> weak point 
> in the axle. Anywhere else it cannot do any harm. Just in
> that narrow 
> point behind the spline, which is there for what's called
> 'compliance'. 
> If it's an axle without that necked down section, as some
> C-body and 
> pickup axles are, then the weakest point is actually in the
> splined 
> area, so anywhere other than in the spline on these axles
> and you're 
> safe as houses.
> 
> Even if it's on the necked down section should you have
> one, it's very 
> unlikely to be a problem in road use. Slicks and 450hp
> might be 
> different.
> 
> By the way, following a lead recently posted here, I found
> someone 
> selling aftermarket axles for $219 a pair. They come in two
> lengths and 
> they cut them off to suit your needs.
> 
> Ray
> 
> 
> 
> Dave64 wrote:
> > 
> > I'm working on swapping a '68 8 3/4 into my '64
> Belvedere - getting it 
> > all ready.  I have it all apart, and it was dry -
> except for water at 
> > one time!  So there's some rust.  I cleaned
> up and painted the housing - 
> > it looks great now.  The axles have some rust
> with some pitting.  I 
> > soaked the spline end of one in white vinegar, and it
> really cleaned up 
> > nicely after a 5 day soak.  I'm figuring on using
> a wire brush on the 
> > rest of the shafts and then putting new green bearings
> on.  
> > 
> > My question is, should I go through all of this -
> spending about $100. 
> > on the bearings, seals, etc... to end up still having
> axles with some 
> > pitting (but not too bad), or should I spring for new
> Strange axles 
> > complete for about $400.?  I'm thinking I can get
> by with the old axles 
> > and save some cash - especially with a stock Poly for
> now.  Eventually I 
> > may want to put stronger axles in it when I put big
> block power in the 
> > car - but that's a long way down the road. I'm looking
> for some sage 
> > advice - that I know you guys can provide.
> > 
> > Thanks,
> > 
> > Dave
> > 
> > 
> >       
> 
> 
> 
> The stories of youth, of the burden of time, and the death
> of 
> devotion.HCK
> 
> 
> ----
> Please address private mail -- mail of interest to only one
> person -- directly to that person.  I.e., send
> parts/car transactions and negotiations as well as other
> personal messages only to the intended recipient, not to the
> Clubhouse public address. This practice will protect your
> privacy, reduce the total volume of mail and fine tune the
> content signal to Mopar topic.  Thanks!
> 
> 1962 to 1965 Mopar Clubhouse Discussion Guidelines:
> http://www.1962to1965mopar.ornocar.org/mletiq.html and
> http://www.1962to1965mopar.ornocar.com/general_disclaimer.html.
> 
> 
>