Ford 8.8 Axle Shaft Upgrade?

jtf440 · Dec 23, 2018

I'm looking into upgrading my axles in my rear 8.8. I have seen some 1541H axles that are advertised as being stronger, but by how much? There is also a Yukon C-Clip eliminator kit, but it is about 500 more than just the shafts. I don't see a need to eliminate C-clips. Unless you guys can give me a good reason, I'd rather spend that 500 on a TruTrac.

https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/c-282806-axle-shafts-rear-axle-shafts-ford-8-8-shafts.html

MallCrawlOnTons · Dec 23, 2018

jtf440 said:
I'm looking into upgrading my axles in my rear 8.8. I have seen some 1541H axles that are advertised as being stronger, but by how much? There is also a Yukon C-Clip eliminator kit, but it is about 500 more than just the shafts. I don't see a need to eliminate C-clips. Unless you guys can give me a good reason, I'd rather spend that 500 on a TruTrac.

https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/c-282806-axle-shafts-rear-axle-shafts-ford-8-8-shafts.html

Have you broke any shafts or bent any flanges?

I’ve saved this picture for a future thread I’m working on. 1541H is Stout for a factory replacement, but what is a factory 8.8 shaft made from? Anyone have a link to something stating what 8.8 shafts are made of?
1050, 1055, 1541???
I see nitro advertising their 1541h shafts are 25-35% percent stronger than oe, but doesn’t mention what oe is. Maybe 1050 or 1055?

You can follow this link to read in general about different alloys, further reading is needed though.

Edited-corrected spelling

MallCrawlOnTons · Dec 23, 2018

I did find this.

“The Ford OE axles are made of SAE 1055 or 1541 carbon steel that are induction-hardened, which means they are hardened only about 0.150-inch deep while the majority of the axle remains relatively soft. Not only do performance axles use a superior alloy steel, but they also benefit from a thicker wheel-mounting flange and a stronger design with a gentler radius between the wheel flange and the axleshaft.”

Link: https://www.hotrod.com/articles/ford-8-8-rear-end/

mrblaine · Dec 23, 2018

MallCrawlOnTons said:
I did find this.

“The Ford OE axles are made of SAE 1055 or 1541 carbon steel that are induction-hardened, which means they are hardened only about 0.150-inch deep while the majority of the axle remains relatively soft. Not only do performance axles use a superior alloy steel, but they also benefit from a thicker wheel-mounting flange and a stronger design with a gentler radius between the wheel flange and the axleshaft.”

Link: https://www.hotrod.com/articles/ford-8-8-rear-end/

Posting info without the understanding to go with it is more useless than not posting at all.

MallCrawlOnTons · Dec 23, 2018

mrblaine said:
Posting info without the understanding to go with it is more useless than not posting at all.

Being the OP asked how much stronger is 1541h than oe, I’m trying to help him find an answer. Never said I had the answer. I posted what I was thought could help the thread.

Geat input as always from you.

mrblaine · Dec 23, 2018

MallCrawlOnTons said:
Being the OP asked how much stronger is 1541h than oe, I’m trying to help him find an answer. Never said I had the answer. I posted what I was thought could help the thread.

Geat input as always from you.

This all has been explained to you in detail with pictures and you learned nothing from the effort folks went to trying to teach you. All you did was bitch about them not spoon feeding the info to you over and over in small enough increments so you could finally grasp it and even then I'm not sure they can get it into small enough bits to let that happen. You sure you want more great input from me?

MallCrawlOnTons · Dec 23, 2018

mrblaine said:
This all has been explained to you in detail with pictures and you learned nothing from the effort folks went to trying to teach you. All you did was bitch about them not spoon feeding the info to you over and over in small enough increments so you could finally grasp it and even then I'm not sure they can get it into small enough bits to let that happen. You sure you want more great input from me?

Holy cow. You sound like a woman holding a grudge.
This is a completely different thread and has nothing to do with 4340 does it?

mrblaine · Dec 23, 2018

MallCrawlOnTons said:
Holy cow. You sound like a woman holding a grudge.
This is a completely different thread and has nothing to do with 4340 does it?

It is only a completely different thread to someone who thinks I hold a grudge like a woman not to mention I'm fairly offended that you assumed my gender.

MallCrawlOnTons · Dec 23, 2018

edited. Useless thread clutter.

jtf440 · Dec 23, 2018

@MallCrawlOnTons I haven't broken anything, but I'm running 35's and I'm not sure if I even need to upgrade. I am definitely paranoid about rear end breakage because of breaking my Dana 35 three times.

Jerry Bransford · Dec 23, 2018

There's no need to install a c-clip eliminator kit, the c-clips themselves are not the problem. If the axle shafts are strong enough to avoid breakage the fact it's a c-clip axle is a moot point.

What size tires are you running? The shafts in an 8.8 are very slightly stronger than a Dana 44 so if you're only running 35's on non-extreme level trails I'd think you'd be ok as is.

jtf440 · Dec 23, 2018

@Jerry Bransford I'm on 35x12.50's. I don't do very much wheeling, as I don't really have the time. In NorCal, there isn't really anything too gnarly that would make me think I need a crazy built rig or lockers. I can't justify to myself spending >$1000 an axle for something I'd barely use anyways.

Jerry Bransford · Dec 23, 2018

jtf440 said:
@Jerry Bransford I'm on 35x12.50's. I don't do very much wheeling, as I don't really have the time. In NorCal, there isn't really anything too gnarly that would make me think I need a crazy built rig or lockers. I can't justify to myself spending >$1000 an axle for something I'd barely use anyways.

Sounds like you're good to go as is, strength-wise. A Truetrac would be a nice upgrade if your Jeep sees much ice & snow up there.

jjvw · Dec 23, 2018

mrblaine said:
It is only a completely different thread to someone who thinks I hold a grudge like a woman not to mention I'm fairly offended that you assumed my gender.

mrblai.....

mrblaine · Dec 23, 2018

Jerry Bransford said:
There's no need to install a c-clip eliminator kit, the c-clips themselves are not the problem. If the axle shafts are strong enough to avoid breakage the fact it's a c-clip axle is a moot point.

What size tires are you running? The shafts in an 8.8 are very slightly stronger than a Dana 44 so if you're only running 35's on non-extreme level trails I'd think you'd be ok as is.

You are correct in that there is no "need" to run the eliminator unless you are after the .900 increase in width per side, the ability to run 4340 shafts, you happen to like the better bend resistant flange design with 3/4 ton Set 20 bearings from the big bearing Ford housing ends and of course, the ability to pull a shaft without having to crack open the diff, drain the oil and pull the c-clips. Most assuredly not a need, but there are some niceties that can't or shouldn't be overlooked.

mrblaine · Dec 23, 2018

jjvw said:
mrblai.....
View attachment 68975

Hey now, I'm gender fluid, what can I say?

jjvw · Dec 23, 2018

mrblaine said:
Hey now, I'm gender fluid, what can I say?

If Boogie was here, that would live in as his new signature.

mrblaine · Dec 23, 2018

jjvw said:
If Boogie was here, that would live in as his new signature.

Asshole is a gender, right?

MallCrawlOnTons · Dec 23, 2018

jtf440 said:
@MallCrawlOnTons I haven't broken anything, but I'm running 35's and I'm not sure if I even need to upgrade. I am definitely paranoid about rear end breakage because of breaking my Dana 35 three times.

I think you’ll be fine. Only thing I would look out for is bent flanges. My uncle had a a bent flange on a 8.8 shaft. He said it could have been bent from the wrecked vehicle he got it out of. He never had issues from offroad use and bent flanges. I think I read somewhere on this forum that the flanges bend easily.

jtf440 · Dec 23, 2018

@Jerry Bransford I'm not that far north lol. It only rains and I just like the idea of having a great posi in the rear that isn't clutch style.

Ford 8.8 Axle Shaft Upgrade?

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