Cheap Axle Alternative
07-15-2012, 02:40 PM
#121
Race Car
As mentioned in the first post of this thread, people like Sid should be grabbing a set of chromoly axles from xschop if they plan to drag race and not slip the clutch. Slipping the clutch helps with longevity of driveline components. Finding an axle that will take such abuse may end up being a bad idea, especially if transaxles start breaking at alarming rates. Making one part stronger will only make other weak parts stand out more, and the car does not care at what cost those parts come at. It's all a compromise.
All I was trying to do by posting my findings is to help everyone see the limitations.
I do still think these axles are a great idea for most people. That probably didn't come out like that in my track post after breaking one.
The joints are still stronger and not a bad idea just to swap onto the 951 shaft.
I'll look into his axles. I hadn't seen the thread.
I certainly didn't mean to derail the thread and put a negative spin on them. Hell, I'm still running the spare one I bought in my car now.
They are a great deal!!!!
Thanks again for the finding of these..
07-16-2012, 05:53 PM
#122
Burning Brakes
Well, I just ordered an 86 Vanagon Axle shaft for my right side. Paid 80.42$ shipping included. I wasn't able to find the Empi part in Canada, so I decided to go with the FEQ brand. I did read bad things on the web about the quality of the brand, but for 80$, why not. There is also a 12 month warranty on these, if it brakes in 6 months, i'll get a new one : ) I'm too lazy to do a rebuilt right now, and I'm so curious to see if it will actually work.
Even with the OEM ones, I broke 5 axles in 5 years, but with 3 different 944's. So if they always brake, why should I pay full price for oem. I paid a mechanic to rebuilt the one I'm changing last year, and it's already making a ton of knocking noise.
80$ compare to 355.96$, easy and quick to replace. If it last me one year, I'm happy. Heck at the price, I can get 4 FEQ axles shafts for the same price for one (GKN).
https://www.autopartsway.ca/PartDeta...33-1835581/FEQ
Even with the OEM ones, I broke 5 axles in 5 years, but with 3 different 944's. So if they always brake, why should I pay full price for oem. I paid a mechanic to rebuilt the one I'm changing last year, and it's already making a ton of knocking noise.
80$ compare to 355.96$, easy and quick to replace. If it last me one year, I'm happy. Heck at the price, I can get 4 FEQ axles shafts for the same price for one (GKN).
https://www.autopartsway.ca/PartDeta...33-1835581/FEQ
07-20-2012, 12:56 AM
#123
Burning Brakes
I installed this 80$ FEQ axles made for the 1986 Volks Vanagon for the right side of my 951.
It was a direct fit. Took me me 25 min. to do the job.
Came with new bolts (but I used the ones that where already there), new gaskets and axle grease.
I tried the car afterward, and went for a hard drive.
So far, absolutely no problems. I'm actually happy, I feel like I just saved 300$. You know how these cars can get expensive.
So direct fit, 80$, no noise, car runs great.... what can you ask for more.
As I mentioned in my last post, I paid 150$ to rebuilt on side of that right side axle shaft last year.
Now for 80$, I get a full new one, no core charge, one year warranty.
Thanks robstah, you made my day.
Eric
It was a direct fit. Took me me 25 min. to do the job.
Came with new bolts (but I used the ones that where already there), new gaskets and axle grease.
I tried the car afterward, and went for a hard drive.
So far, absolutely no problems. I'm actually happy, I feel like I just saved 300$. You know how these cars can get expensive.
So direct fit, 80$, no noise, car runs great.... what can you ask for more.
As I mentioned in my last post, I paid 150$ to rebuilt on side of that right side axle shaft last year.
Now for 80$, I get a full new one, no core charge, one year warranty.
Thanks robstah, you made my day.
Eric
07-31-2012, 04:11 PM
#127
Watch those CV's closely, either Empi or their suppliers have been sending out CV's with cages that slip over the inner star races. I'm not sure what the Vanagon CV's are designed like in that perspective. The GKN type 2's have never missed a beat.
As far as axles go, if it is not of a a material that "spools" like 4340 then your trans is taking an instant beat down under instant torque and good wheel bite.
As far as axles go, if it is not of a a material that "spools" like 4340 then your trans is taking an instant beat down under instant torque and good wheel bite.
07-31-2012, 11:18 PM
#128
Rennlist Member
so which axles should I go with? I will be in the states next week and want to order a pair but not sure which ones to go for. cheap tested ones will do if I can find a part number, otherwise the lobro ones from pelican are 220 each. please help
08-01-2012, 12:02 AM
#129
Rennlist Member
no drag racing just some track days and some street. my car has late rear end so what is the part number? parts geek doesn't have a phone and can't find it on thier site.
08-01-2012, 01:46 AM
#131
Rennlist Member
so my 951 is an 86 but has a late model (87 or later) rear differential and offset. I thought the later model (87 and beyond) was different than the 86 which is why I keep asking. Now I think the part number listed in the early posts will work as when they were referring to the early model it was the 83s or something. Could someone please verify that the 87 and 86 axles are the same and should work on my car?
08-22-2012, 12:14 AM
#133
WRONGLY ACCUSED!
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Installed two axels this past weekend. Did a bunch of hard driving and everything looks good. Should be going to Lime Rock or Watkins Glen or both in September and will report back. So far so good.
08-22-2012, 11:39 PM
#134
Rennlist Member
I had my mechanic install 2 about a week ago and all is good. will be doing a few days at Mosport and possibly 2 at the Glen. Car is running well so far
