Why does the front axel have a thing on top of it?

[shadow]

I had to move my tractor yesterday and a buddy of mine noticed the front axle has a thing on top that looks like it would be used to connect it to another axle. I have no idea what it is. I found a pic online of one that looks like mine. What is that thing for?? It has a square flange with 4 holes in it just above the center section.

 

[doghead]

It is on all the axles! All 3 of your axles use interchangeable parts. It (drive flange) is just not used on the front of the front axle. Look under the rear of your truck and you should see one there too!

 

[Jones]

So you can use the differential center section (third member) in any axle location. The same assy will fit and work in all axles so you don't have to have a special one for each axle position. The four bolt flange is what the drive shaft bolts to.

 

[M1075]

Key word is parts interchange. Especially if you want to convert to 8x8! Or, you can build a "big dumb trailer" and power it like our man Spicergear. You can also use these to add pinion brakes (I have them on my jeep).

 

[OPCOM]

it's for the baby HEMTT.. I have thought about the possibility of mounting an air conditioner compressor via pulley to that thing. A torque bar mount from a rear axle could be the basis for a mount. Not sure if the drive flange would take a side load. Other uses: spare alternator drive, and of course the hypnotic pinwheel.

 

[Jones]

Uhhh... and what baby HEMTT would that be?