Axle mounts are used to attach an axle housing to a vehicle’s suspension, with coil spring mounts and springs being the two types. High-strength steel is used to make most mounts, and accurate measurements are crucial when welding new supports. Axle swaps are common in the racing and off-road communities, with Ford and Toyota axles being popular choices. It’s recommended to change both axle supports with the same manufacturer’s support to prevent uneven suspension.
Axle mounts are devices used to mount an axle housing to a vehicle’s suspension. There are two different types of axle mounts used in vehicles: coil spring mounts and springs. Coil spring mounts generally consist of spring hangers or spring pads, while coil spring axle mounts also include trailing arm mounts and occasionally panhard rod mounts. Some types of performance mounts include drawbar attachments as well as adjustable mounts for use with traction enhancement mechanisms. Most mounts are welded to the axle housing and are made of high-strength steel to withstand long-term use in the harshest conditions found on a typical highway.
There is usually never a reason to replace axle supports, except in a custom or heavy-duty application. Using a third-party axle on another manufacturer’s vehicle will generally involve the installation of new axle brackets. Perhaps the most common axle change involves the installation of a Ford Motor Company rear axle housing on a vehicle. This Ford axle is recognized among the racing community as the strongest axle available from any manufacturer. Ford axle usage is found in almost all types of motorsports and commonly involves the installation of new axle mounts to mount the housing to the intended vehicle.
The off-road community also means the use of new axle mounts on many off-road vehicles. Commonly used to tuck the axle under the springs to increase ground clearance, these conversions often include the use of another manufacturer’s axle housing as well. Many Jeep owners and enthusiasts commonly recognize the Jeep axle as a weak point in the vehicle’s drivetrain. This leads to a very popular axle swap involving the use of Toyota Land Cruiser axles in the Jeep suspension package. Toyota axles are seen as a natural fit on the Jeep.
When welding new axle supports into an axle housing, it is important to take accurate measurements and locate the axle in the exact location. Even the slightest variation from the correct location can result in a vehicle that is difficult to handle, has uneven tire wear, and can cause the drivetrain to bind and break under heavy load. It is also recommended that when one axle support is changed, the other side is also changed with the same manufacturer’s support. This prevents uneven suspension due to variation in bracket design between manufacturers.
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