Solid shafts convert circular power from a driveshaft into linear motion to propel a vehicle. They are commonly found in rear-wheel drive cars and trucks, while independent front axles provide a smoother ride. Swapping a solid axle for a split axle involves removing suspension and steering components and welding leaf spring brackets in place. The conversion greatly strengthens the front axle of a four-wheel drive truck. Stronger axle joints can prevent joint breakage.
A solid shaft is a device used to propel a vehicle by converting circular power from a driveshaft into linear motion through the use of a pinion, crown, and differential. Commonly found in rear wheel drive car and truck applications, a solid axle is a common rear end configuration, however it is not used in a rear axle independent suspension. Commonly regarded as stronger than an independent suspension or split-axle design, a solid axle is commonly shifted to the front axle position of four-wheel drive trucks. While it is true that most axles are of a solid design, this reference commonly means that the axle housing must be of solid, seamless construction.
An independent front axle or split axle configuration provides a typically smoother, smoother ride than a comparable solid axle. This is the reason why most auto manufacturers use this type of axle in the production of most four wheel drive light trucks. The problem with the design is that the shaft uses several joints in the construction of the unit, providing several potentially weak areas that commonly fail under severe load. A common axle swap on light trucks is completed by swapping out an early solid axle in place of the split axle.
A split axle is usually suspended by coil springs or torsion bar suspension, while a solid axle commonly uses leaf springs. The most common solid axle swap involves installing springs under the front of the chassis. To accomplish this feat, all suspension and steering components must be removed from the chassis. This is often done with the help of a cutting torch and a grinder. Once the frame is free of all mounting brackets and is smooth, the leaf spring brackets can be welded in place to suspend the axle.
By converting from a split axle to a solid unit, the front axle of a four-wheel drive truck is greatly strengthened. The axle is limited to a single joint at each end at the steering knuckle. For maximum strength on the solid shaft, the common universal joint is often changed to a planetary joint or constant velocity joint. Using these stronger axle joints can prevent joint breakage that typically strands a newly converted, solid axle-equipped vehicle along the side of a trail or in the clutches of a swampy bog.
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