Spindle fatigue?

[ALZR1]

Originally Posted by LancePearson

Al, whatever was done on my 76 was done by previous owners which is unknown to me. It isn't raw power at 210 hp but something else in past use habits. My 91 Z if a side yoke spindle breaks would probably be at the shoulder though it isn't one of your 5-600 hp versions, closer to stock. Gold is right...it ain't all engine when you start with these horse powers.

I also assume that broken side yoke in the photo was factory OEM equipment and design factors were substantially less than what any of our Z's would need...at least I hope so.

If they break at the shoulder is that a "joined" area where welding attached the shaft to the yoke type fitting?

I'd love to have access to the suppliers who make these various things in more detail, especially with design specifications.

not at all it's A one piece deal.it's just small in diameter it measures 1.240"
just under 1.250", the ones I have now measure 1.450" or 1.460" at the shoulder,33 splines and are made out of much better material.

AL.

[Bob G]

I have the 31 spline spindles & rebroched bearing -hubs I will bring them to Marks on the 21st For everyone to fondel
Bob G

[LancePearson]

I'll keep that in mind, Al, in case I ever do break a side yoke spindle or whatever the correct term is that connects the differential to the half shafts to the wheels on my 1991 Z. Looks fairly much like similar logic if different specs. Glad it's better steel/material.

[Paul Workman]

OK! After some searching, I found the pix Al sent me of his new spindle.

This is a topic that needs proper treatment, so I'll just post a couple of the pix for now, and get "into it" with Al n Pete n Bob G later.

I counted the "points" and I believe there are 33 here, but not 100% sure as the photo isn't all that clear around the entire hub. That aside, it is easy to see the huge difference in the size of the spindle, compared to stock. (I believe the stock was welded at the shoulder as a reconstruction for the sake of the photo...would be my guess.)

I counted 33, but see if your eyes are better than mine (good chance of that!)

The hub...



Spindle comparison



As suggested...This might be an SOP upgrade against eventualities, yes?

I want some!
P.

[Pete]

Yes,my mistake.

31 and 33

Pete

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[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.

[sammy]

what does it cost for the upgraded spindles and bearing assemblies?

[Ronstar]

I'm interested. Does Al ( or bob) make these?

[RHanselman]

Originally Posted by XfireZ51

Al's shaft is impressive!

Wow, you said that out loud!