Straight axle - Is it safe?

OK, this is off topic somewhat but what about dropped axles done by heating and stretching. To me that is worse than this axle? Anyone have any dropped axles by stretching on there rides???

Personally I'd have no problem with the fishplated axle as long as it was welded correctly, and at 8 years if theres no signs of fracture I wouldn't waste my dime.

 

i think from the discription of the work it is way over built. should last a long time.

 

Talk to 296 V8 on here about that.

 

I would go along with "T"RANTULA's comments.

If you have concerns, pull it out an have it blasted & do a dye penetrate test. That will show any cracks.

Anyone performing this operation should preheat the axle & used a low hydrogen welding rod followed with post heat & slow cooling.

 

296 V8 narrowed this Lincoln axle for me. I am not the least bit concerned about running it under one of my rods.

 

Check this out for a narrowing job.

http://2loose.chevytalk.org/55straightaxle2.html

 

http://2loose.chevytalk.org/55straightaxle2.html
If I read this correctly it sounds like it was just tack welded back together like a 1/4 panel. Looks good but doesnt sound safe to me.

 

It sounds to me like this axle has all ready been proven reliable If it was driven for years and it will p*** a magnaflux now its safe to run .

 

This thread is one of those that is almost like wikpedia....circle track guys have narrowed front and rear axles since the midget days using T components, drag racers have narrowed rear axles almost as long.

 

Both have staight axles and have been safley driven for decades. Done correctly straight axlse (if the the right axle is selected) can be very safe and also offer a decent ride.
Normbc9

 

Post for note above. It didn't go through the first time.
Normbc9

 

This has got me thinking, my dropped axle is really too wide for my ride, despite it being the 'recomended' one by the supplier. Could it be narrowed safely being aftermarket, or would i be better off dropping my original axle (if i can find anywhere in the U.K) and having it narrowed? Its a 40 ford so single leaf.

 

I would just buy the correct width axle. You should be able to sell the one you have for at least 60-75% of the cost.

An original '40 axle cannot be dropped as much as the drop built into the new aftermarket axles, and the
clearance for steering arms is a lot tighter on an original axle that has been dropped.

 

Thanks Rich. although they advertise it as a 4 inch drop, it's only 2 over a stocker, but i get what you mean about the arms. I may well visit new beams again, maybe a dropped 'A' beam would be better, tho i'll also need a new spring, and... Who said it just bolts on?!
Sorry for Hi jacking, back to scheduled programming..

 

Well, from a force ****ysis standpoint, a beam supported on each end (spindle) with a load applied equally at two points (weight of the vehicle supported by the two leaf springs) spaced equally from the midpoint of the axle, the bending moment will be uniformly distributed between each of the two leaf springs and will dominish to zero at the kingpins. So the axle will be most prone to bend along its entire midsection equally.

[closing engineering textbook]

I have narrowed (TIG welded) some Ford forged axles successfully.