Cheap Axle Alternative
#17
Three Wheelin'
Hmmm... 86 Vanagon: 95HP @ 4800RPM, 117FtLbs @ 3200RPM
I really hope these work as a bolt in replacement, that are at least as strong as the factory part.
On a separate note, it appears EMPI makes a lot of upgraded racing parts for VW based off road buggies. This includes Chromoly cages, 4340 housings, higher spline counts etc.... These are all features advertised for a certain, $600 a piece, racing axle. I even found a racing set for $400 (complete, both sides) in the 21-1/4 length.
I really hope these work as a bolt in replacement, that are at least as strong as the factory part.
On a separate note, it appears EMPI makes a lot of upgraded racing parts for VW based off road buggies. This includes Chromoly cages, 4340 housings, higher spline counts etc.... These are all features advertised for a certain, $600 a piece, racing axle. I even found a racing set for $400 (complete, both sides) in the 21-1/4 length.
#18
WRONGLY ACCUSED!
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Good find - I need to replace my axels. Any reason to believe these would be of any lessor quality than Pelican?
#19
They will fit.. strength is a whole other issue though. The 951 part number axles are much stronger than the 944 ones, I snapped a bunch before caving and buying the real deal. I can't see any reason why they'd spec a beefier axle for something like the vanagon, they're most likely equal to or weaker than the 944 units.
#21
Three Wheelin'
However..., since you mentioned it, I will say that manufactures do pick parts to align with the finished products capabilities. If a "better" part is available for the same cost, usually, it will be used. (This holds true for a vast majority of products engineered by large companies). The drive trains of our 944s' are a prime example of a manufacture making changes for different hp levels.
#22
Rennlist Member
If you want a bulletproof setup, xschop sells built chromoly axles that have the bigger *****/cage setup and fix the stress-riser that is commonly found in the stock axles. You can find them here:
http://944hybrids.forumotion.com/t13...y-axles-855-up
http://www.lindseyracing.com/LR/Parts/944CVAXLELR.html
#24
Rennlist Member
Haha, yes, a minor oversight. Didn't think I paid $1200 for the pair but so much stuff just blurrrrss$$$ that you forget. Still, be interesting to see if there are any differences?
#27
Three Wheelin'
XSChop proves he's an asset to this community thread after thread. Nice work on the axles, would you mind disclosing who is running them? Or if you are running them feel free to chime in a on quality, fit, finish, etc. I'll wait to see how these Vanagon units hold up but if it's not up to OEM spec I'll probably be looking for a pair from XS or LR. I repacked and resealed all my stock CVs 18 months ago with the redline CV fluid, flipping the cages and hoping to get a little more wear out of them. This is all back when the car was drivable
#29
Rennlist Member
#30
Site Sponsor
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: A great big building in the woods, FL.
Posts: 6,527
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
3 Posts
Hate to burst anyone's bubbles here but the VW cv joints are spec for 17º of movement where the porsche ones are 22º. When the cv reaches its end of movement and binds, it's going to push the snap ring off or worse bust the cage inside.
They are an "alternative" for street cars but I wouldn't put a set on the track. IMHO.. not without modification anyway.
They are an "alternative" for street cars but I wouldn't put a set on the track. IMHO.. not without modification anyway.