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5 Ton Rockwell Axle Question

Olly

Member
127
6
18
Location
Bristol/CT
Hi, I was wondering anyone knows of any other gear ratios for the 5 ton axle? Had a line on 3 axles out of the fire truck with the air lockers and 5.81 gears but the guy sold'em out from under me when someone came in with more money. Guess peoples good word don't mean s***. Anyway, I know some of the old Autocars way back had some of the Rockwells, I remember reading about an SSDD or SRDD some type that was compatible. Also know that the old Autocars had a bunch of different gear ratios so was wondering if anybody had any information about the gear ratios or what else they were in or anybody has a line on three axles from M1500 crash truck.... really want to stay with the top loader axles which is why I'm looking for the gears. Thanks for any info.
 

simp5782

Feo, Fuerte y Formal
Supporting Vendor
12,088
9,247
113
Location
Mason, TN
Hi, I was wondering anyone knows of any other gear ratios for the 5 ton axle? Had a line on 3 axles out of the fire truck with the air lockers and 5.81 gears but the guy sold'em out from under me when someone came in with more money. Guess peoples good word don't mean s***. Anyway, I know some of the old Autocars way back had some of the Rockwells, I remember reading about an SSDD or SRDD some type that was compatible. Also know that the old Autocars had a bunch of different gear ratios so was wondering if anybody had any information about the gear ratios or what else they were in or anybody has a line on three axles from M1500 crash truck.... really want to stay with the top loader axles which is why I'm looking for the gears. Thanks for any info.
3.87 4.88s 5.02 5.13s 5.81 6.14 6.44

There are others. Just find some whole junker top loaders on vanderhaaggs or lkq
 

Olly

Member
127
6
18
Location
Bristol/CT
3.87 4.88s 5.02 5.13s 5.81 6.14 6.44

There are others. Just find some whole junker top loaders on vanderhaaggs or lkq
The only toploaders I'm finding are Macks now it'd be easy enough for me to find 2 Macks for the rear because I've switched over to camelback anyway but I can't seem to find any Macks with 16 spline and the lowest I've found is 17. I was thinking I could create a hybrid axle for the front using the Mack as the center but I have no idea what I'd use for the shafts. I don't know if the bull gear out of the Mack would fit in the Rockwell or if it's even compatible with the rest of the gears. If you have any ideas about the shafts or what I could do with the difference in the spline count..... Thanks
 

simp5782

Feo, Fuerte y Formal
Supporting Vendor
12,088
9,247
113
Location
Mason, TN
Why I said whole axles
The only toploaders I'm finding are Macks now it'd be easy enough for me to find 2 Macks for the rear because I've switched over to camelback anyway but I can't seem to find any Macks with 16 spline and the lowest I've found is 17. I was thinking I could create a hybrid axle for the front using the Mack as the center but I have no idea what I'd use for the shafts. I don't know if the bull gear out of the Mack would fit in the Rockwell or if it's even compatible with the rest of the gears. If you have any ideas about the shafts or what I could do with the difference in the spline count..... Thanks
Who said you had to use a top loader in the front? All you need is the same 18k rated front drive axle with the same ratio as you find the rear or close to it in ratio. The steering all interchange with civilian setups for dual steering arms. Springs don't care as long the tube and mount collar fit.
 

Olly

Member
127
6
18
Location
Bristol/CT
Why I said whole axles

Who said you had to use a top loader in the front? All you need is the same 18k rated front drive axle with the same ratio as you find the rear or close to it in ratio. The steering all interchange with civilian setups for dual steering arms. Springs don't care as long the tube and mount collar fit.
It was just my personal preference to keep the toploader on the front. If push comes to shove and I can't find any other option then I'll have to go with a front loader on the front, I'm really trying to keep with the 46" tires that I purchased plus I just like them better, but my final drive is only 1:1. Although slow and steady may win the race I'd at least like to take it down the road and not get passed by people walking. Thanks again for the info.
 

Olly

Member
127
6
18
Location
Bristol/CT
Why not just use a T1138 and have .76 final drive?
I was going to and I actually purchased one still have it but after reading how the case can sometimes just break apart even when not going in reverse I decided I'd be better off to sale it and not break it and buy another transfer case. So in the spring I bought a brand new Spicer 738 my buddy had one in an International and it kicked a55. I know he has a 330 in his truck and beats it so I figured when in doubt overbuild, and it weighs less than the T1138. I was also able to mount it sideways and got more ground clearance also more space under the cab which came in handy since I lowered the cab 8 inches. Since that purchase I've been trying to figure out a way to get a little more speed out of the truck even though it's not done yet. The new cab doesn't allow space for the clutch pedal so automatic was the only way to go for me. Sorry for the long response. Any suggestions on a good front loading axle? Maybe one that has an air locker? Cause if I go that route then I'll just change the rears to Macks. Thanks
 

74M35A2

Well-known member
4,145
311
83
Location
Livonia, MI
I have all 3 air locking Rockwell top loading 5 ton axles I removed from an M1500 I scrapped this summer. They are actually considered 7 ton axles because they use a slightly larger axle shaft diameter, but same-same as far as their outside physical size and appearance. Ratio on them are slightly lower, 5.8x vs the M939 of 6.4x or so, but that is the desired direction some people want anyway. Or, you can just swap your 6.4x's gears into them. The center axle has a removable power divider. They are hydraulic brake, but the M939 air brakes bolt right up to them. I have these axles for sale, PM me if interested.
 
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