Front axle flange modification

[hombre53]

Does anyone have a good way to cut out the splines in the front axle flange without going to a machine shop?

 

[SMOKEWAGON66]

i have no idea but im gonna ask...why would you wanna do that?

 

[colelkhunter]

dremel tool and lots of carbide bits. Oh and about a weeks time.

 

[nk14zp]

i have no idea but im gonna ask...why would you wanna do that?

Poor mans lockout hub.

 

[SMOKEWAGON66]

Poor mans lockout hub.

....ok im a bit of a noob when it comes to this stuff, so how would that work? if he removed the splines wouldnt that render the front wheel drive completely inop?

 

[nk14zp]

Yes you also need splined ones to swap back and forth.

 

[gringeltaube]

Does anyone have a good way to cut out the splines in the front axle flange without going to a machine shop?

Anyone with a small lathe can do this... material is relatively soft, doesn't take more than 10' each, preparation and cleanup included.

G.

 

[ucfjeeper]

how 'bout a big drill bit and a drill press?

 

[nk14zp]

Have to be a real big bit.

 

[jwaller]

why not just despline the cap instead of having to swap the axle when you need it again?

 

[swbradley1]

I think that is what he is talking about. On our trip to the Georgia Rally last fall in Gimp's truck my job was swapping the caps on the front from the ones machined out to the ones with splines. Reduces drag on the front drive train.

Not nearly as easy as a knockout hub but a few minutes of time and a little ratcheting and you are good to go.

sw

 

[Recovry4x4]

Short of a lathe, it would be easier to make a set. Flat plate of 3/8 or so with a hole in the middle for the axle to protrude then a piece of pipe suitable to cover the axle then cap the end.

 

[hombre53]

Yes this would be for poor mans lockouts. 99% of the time I dont need front wheels pulling. If I was planing to be off road, or expecting snow the splined flanges woulg go on, only takes about 5 min. with impact wrench. This should also give me easer steering, better milage and better tire wear. I allready have extra flanges and want to keep the original look.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Doesn't the bolt on, splined axle cap help support the outer, short side of the axle shaft?

 

[gimpyrobb]

Thats why you put a bushing in after desplining.

 

[swbradley1]

I don't recall seeing a bushing?


sw

 

[Recovry4x4]

The axle will be supported by the spindle and it's bushing. No need for further support.

 

[swbradley1]

Now see Kenny, that's what I thought. I sure don't remember seeing anything in the desplined hubs on the truck.

sw

 

[hoop]

OK, now is that clear as mud or what?

 

[doghead]

SWB, there was no bushing in those splined hubs(I made them). I used a lathe.

As for bushings, certainly a bushing sounds like a good idea but, It is not needed. Many applications run hardened shafts directly on cast iron(or cast/ forged steel). A bit of grease and some clearance(.010" or more) is about all that is needed for this, IMO.