So I finally got around to upgrading my front axle to a modified steel one, after breaking numerous fronts. Since this, my first wheeling weekend I decided to push it father, well basically it was pushing me father because of the new frt locker.....ironically I broke a rear axle.

I knew it would happen eventually. I am running aggressive 33" tires, spool, and 4:1s. I limped it out of the woods to fix it. Unfortanately when I took it apart I noticed that it sheared right next to the spool. Then it ended up damaging the carrier, and chunks look like they got into some gears after the side retainer was backed out by the rotating bad axle.

I have a few spares and plan to swap a 3rd member and axle out. But I figured I'd get some feedback for future scenerios....I'm sure ppl on here have broken rear axles.

1. Is the damage to the carrier something to be suspected? (Ie- if I break an axle should I be looking at a new third everytime) (-this seems like a hassle)
2. Is it worth investing in Calmini Axles? Or is an axle swap better? (ie 9")


I have seen that sami owners sometime upgrade to this axle, and have also seen the Hagen articles were he upgrades to a 9". So I'm assuming 33" must be pushing the limits on this sidekick rear, and wandered if I should be buying tons of spares or start looking at upgrade options......Any input or feedback is welcome.

I went through may sets of rear axle shafts with 33's (5.83's, 4:1 and locker) before upgrading to a Currie 9". Once I did, I never had another issue... The shafts (for me) usually broke near the carrier but only once damaged the carrier. I'm not sure about the Calmini shafts (never used them) but I'm sure someone here has.

Towards the end (before the 9") I would pull the shafts after a hard trail  ride and inspect the splines. If they showed and signs of twisting, they would always break on the next ride... no signs of twisting usually held up at least one more ride... If your going to continue to use the stockers, save your self the trouble of a trail fix and inspect them after a tough day on the trail.

Zig

I hear this from people, and wonder if I just don't pound my truck like
you guys do, I have never broken a rear axle, I did twist the splines once
and drove on that axle for 2 more years before I pulled it, and that was
because a friend saw the rear wheel wobbling as it rotated, he thought
the lugs were loose.

I think your problem is the spool, hard on axles, there just is no torque
forgiveness  when things bind up

As far as Calmini axles, never used them, but Eric broke one at the start of
a trail, doing almost nothing, so I wonder how good those would hold up

Wild

As far as Calmini axles, never used them, but Eric broke one at the start of
a trail, doing almost nothing, so I wonder how good those would hold up

Wild

That was when they first came out... I heard it was an issue with the hardening process... I believe they were redesigned soon after that test run.

Zig

thanks for the input guys. I'm on the fence atm...and plan to just rebuild what I have to save some time.

I have a couple more spares and also have a couple 9" for other projects. So if I run out of spares, then I guess maybe that will force me into a swap. BTW- Good tip on checking the splines after some major wheeling. It would take a little work, but might save me a trail breakdown and possible more collateral damage( ie carrier).

And Wild if you haven't broke too many, especially with a stronger motor, then I assume these axles do have some strength. I don't like to rump on it, but I do try some harder obstacles at times. The current rear axle has been through three seasons of wheeling with no-problems, so we'll see how the second one lasts. I was just curious about some trail experience and other driver experiences, because I don't wheel with any heavily modified Sidekicks/tracker.......


Any more insights or opinions are welcome.

Oh yea... I did and still do wheel my rigs hard... probably to hard in some situations... Most of my breakage was in the Tennessee hills following jeeps and trucks on 37's - 42's when I was on 33's and usually when I was trying something I knew I should winch over 

Zig

If you start bouncing it's time to back off or winch, if you get to bouncing
you will break the axles, that's how I broke the 1 front long side

if you can get an old bronco rear end. it will be a close match for width (i think there 2" wider or so)  stan

i have beat the crap at of all my suzukis and ford rangers and bever broke anything in the rear, only the front(suzukis). I think alot of it is operator, Not saying you dont know how to drive. Just some people have that feel.

i have beat the crap at of all my suzukis and ford rangers and bever broke anything in the rear, only the front(suzukis). I think alot of it is operator, Not saying you dont know how to drive. Just some people have that feel.

Maybe it's feel.....or maybe its luck for you.....idk....I wouldn't say I baby my rig, or even take it easy. But I never try to bash it off trees or bounce it like an impala.


What kind of setup do you have 96kicker? Zukipilot listed his. And I'm pretty sure wildgoody runs 32-33" with 4:1.



I would feel pretty comfident on smaller less aggressive tires....But I have a feeling that I'm gonna see some more carnage in the future. Maybe it's the trails I wheel, or just the angles I put it through......But I guess I will find out.


More then likely I'll take the 9" option, and go the way Stan mentioned. But if I tear into the rear suspension, I know I'm gonna want do to more then just the axle.

in my old 94 2 door tracker i had 32's, rear spool, 4:1's, i know people that have had the exact same setup as me and they always break stuff, maybe im just lucky

I always chocked it up to the auto trans, but I think it's also driver finesse

i have beat the crap at of all my suzukis and ford rangers and bever broke anything in the rear, only the front(suzukis). I think alot of it is operator, Not saying you dont know how to drive. Just some people have that feel.

     This a pretty safe statement without stating your tire size and if you have lockers?