Spindle fatigue?

[Blue Flame Restorations]

Originally Posted by LancePearson

That's interesting...With the photos it looks like you are talking about the outboard end of the half shaft U joint mechanism that goes into the hub with the wheel studs. Oddly enough, the C3's that broke, including mine, broke on the other end inside the differential! The outboard ends were pretty good. Mine inside the differential on both sides now are drop forged and better than oem quality so I don't worry too much about it any more. Maybe outboard ones did too and I just never knew it. the l48 76 motor does not have the power these guys do so that may well explain it.

The 63-82 factory differential side yokes were not hardened. The ends would wear and fatigue. The replacements "are" hardened.

[ALZR1]

Originally Posted by RHanselman

Wow, you said that out loud!

I swear he has never seen my shaft.

AL.

I have the shafts made out of 4340 and heat treated through out,then I rework the spindles to fit the new bearings.
The cost of the stub axles is $1150.00 bearings,studs and the lug nuts another $400.00 and $600.00 for labor.

AL.

[XfireZ51]

Originally Posted by ALZR1

I swear he has never seen my shaft.

AL.

I have the shafts made out of 4340 and heat treated through out,then I rework the spindles to fit the new bearings.
The cost of the stub axles is $1150.00 bearings,studs and the lug nuts another $400.00 and $600.00 for labor.

AL.

Al,

You are too modest.

[Fully Vetted]

Originally Posted by ALZR1

I swear he has never seen my shaft.

AL.

I have the shafts made out of 4340 and heat treated through out,then I rework the spindles to fit the new bearings.
The cost of the stub axles is $1150.00 bearings,studs and the lug nuts another $400.00 and $600.00 for labor.

AL.

So, supposing one were to upgrade to this setup, what is the next weakest link that would most likely fail? Or, is there one?

[ALZR1]

Originally Posted by Fully Vetted

So, supposing one were to upgrade to this setup, what is the next weakest link that would most likely fail? Or, is there one?

When I break the next item I'll let you guys know.but if I had to guess I would
say the halfshafts.

AL.

[WARP TEN]

This is a very interesting thread. Al showed me his new spindle when I stopped at his shop a while back--very impressive. I solve the problem by having cheap tires that don't hook up too well. --Bob

[LancePearson]

very interesting and informative....this is sort of the opposite of the road racing setup Z owners thread...power, yes, but much more attention on the suspension and especially the brake system working well at high stress loads. Two different key emphasis situations.

[XfireZ51]

Originally Posted by WARP TEN

This is a very interesting thread. Al showed me his new spindle when I stopped at his shop a while back--very impressive. I solve the problem by having cheap tires that don't hook up too well. --Bob

Bob,

That what I said! Al's shaft or spindle was impressive.

BTW, the cheap tires that don't hook well, not such a good idea when you hit second gear.

[WARP TEN]

Originally Posted by XfireZ51

Bob,

That what I said! Al's shaft or spindle was impressive.

BTW, the cheap tires that don't hook well, not such a good idea when you hit second gear.

I didn't want to say it quite the way you did.... And on the tires, the Sumis hook up reasonably well for street tires, especially if I drop a few pounds of pressure. But as you point out, one should be careful. --Bob

[FU]

Originally Posted by XfireZ51

BTW, the cheap tires that don't hook well, not such a good idea when you hit second gear.

Experience has few reward's