Quest for Stronger Rear Spindles

[Jagdpanzer]

Since I twisted off a rear spindle on my very first attempt at drag racing my Z a couple of weeks ago I have been looking into finding a more rugged solution to this obvious weak link component in the C4 drive train. In my search I’ve come across a pair of these custom made billet spindles specifically for C4 Corvettes. Unfortunately the seller has no knowledge about the original manufacturer however, he does claim though that they are machined from 4340 billet stock and much stronger than stock C4 spindles.
Has anyone here ever seen these spindles before and do you know the story behind them?

Most of the places I know that made these have since gone out of business.

Try Tom's Differentials.

[FU]

I have a set of these. Bought them back a few years ago. They are supposed to be made of 4340 material.

Try Summers Brothers Racing (Rafael was his name) for the 31 spline / bearing conversion setup.

[Aurora40]

Hey Phil,

Is it possible you just had some bad luck? All I mean is there are presumably people throwing down more power with more grip (especially as you went on a grip-unfriendly 40 degree day) on stock ones with no issues. Maybe some stockers would last just fine?

[Jagdpanzer]

Originally Posted by FU2

I have a set of these. Bought them back a few years ago. They are supposed to be made of 4340 material.

FU2,
Are you running them now on your big 441 incher and how are they holding up?

[Jagdpanzer]

Originally Posted by FU2

Try Summers Brothers Racing (Rafael was his name) for the 31 spline / bearing conversion setup.

I called Summers Brothers and spoke with one of the new owners Jose Pontifes.
Here is what they can do:

SUMMERS BROTHER RACING

KIT # DESCRIPTION COST


409200 1986 – 1996 C4 CORVETTE HEAVY DUTY AXLE KIT $1,300.00
COMPLETE KIT INCLUDES:
2 HUB BEARINGS MODIFIED TO TAKE A 30 SPL SHAFT.
2 SPINDLES MODIFIED – REMOVED THE SMALL
STOCK STUB SHAFT, THE YOKE WILL BORED
OUT AND BROACH TO 31 SPLINE.
2 300M STUB SHAFT HEAT TREATED FOR STENGTH
AND DURABILITY PRESSED INTO THE YOKE AND WELDED ON THE BACK SIDE TO CREATE A HEAVY DUTY SPINDLE.


409201 1986 – 1996 C4 CORVETTE HEAVY DUTY AXLE KIT $920.00
COMPLETE KIT INCLUDES:
2 HUB BEARINGS MODIFIED TO TAKE A 30 SPL SHAFT.
2 SPINDLES MODIFIED – REMOVED THE SMALL
STOCK STUB SHAFT, THE YOKE WILL BORED
OUT AND BROACH TO 31 SPLINE.
2 300M STUB SHAFT HEAT TREATED FOR STENGTH
AND DURABILITY PRESSED INTO THE YOKE AND WELDED ON THE BACK SIDE TO CREATE A HEAVY DUTY SPINDLE.
(Hub bearings and stock spindles must be provided by the
customer and we will modify.)

[Zr1 Destroyer]

I got a set from Tim at LPE about two years back......maybe try them!

[Pete]

Originally Posted by Aurora40

Hey Phil,

Is it possible you just had some bad luck? All I mean is there are presumably people throwing down more power with more grip (especially as you went on a grip-unfriendly 40 degree day) on stock ones with no issues. Maybe some stockers would last just fine?

I have seen a set of those they broke first attempt at the track didn't even get one run.

I would suggest save your money and stick with stockers just don't do anything silly with them.

Pete

[FU]

Originally Posted by Jagdpanzer

FU2,
Are you running them now on your big 441 incher and how are they holding up?

Never installed them. No need too.The stockers are doing fine in the 441

Originally Posted by Pete

I have seen a set of those they broke first attempt at the track didn't even get one run.

I would suggest save your money and stick with stockers just don't do anything silly with them.

Pete

IF I were to change over the rear to anything it would most likely be to a solid axle. The complete solid axle conversion can be had for @ 5K and just about bolt right in.

[A1990]

I know that last summer when Mike Ebert was first tracking his 427 he had billet spindles. Snapped them on the first run.

Changed back to stock ones and all is fine. He was running slicks and doing 5500 RPM launches.