Outer Limits 4x4 Board

who has? how did it happen?

Just read on zuwharrie that Trail Tough are going to release a HD rear shaft set for the sierra in their "fall" - september here.

I've heard calmini HD rears are not really worth the money. I know someone on here has run the rear calmini shafts.

i am wondering what you can get away with in terms of power, tyre size and gearing to have a reliable rear end (with sensible use of skinny pedal)

the zook is getting close..er to being on the road, 20v 4age, a40 auto, 4.9 tranny 4.57 diff gears, 34s...mostly driving in vic in low traction situations, steep muddy rutted stuff.

what been your expeirence with rear shafts and breakages?

i ran the calmini shafts, broke the long side, went bak to standard axle for that side, i ran a 1.6 efi with reduction gears and 33 jt2s, on a bit of rock, i reckon the calmini axles are to hard, be good to see what these new ones are like.

I know of a guy on here who snapped both his calmini rear axles. He doesnt rate them very highly.

That said, ive only ever twisted splines on standard rear axles, never snapped one. I only seem to bust up the cv on the fronts, but thats on 30's

i twisted both my standard ones in half running 33 Jt2's giving it to much curry on a big rock. I also broke a front shaft at the same time. The way you drive plays a big part, nothing is unbreakable.

TT is good gear - I'd rate it as higher quality than Calmini from what I've seen, so I think I'd give them a try. The other option is to go full float - that takes a lot of load off the axles, but its not cheap.

I have some full float adapter plates for WT diffs in the shed and Matt at Total Traction is up to speed with making EN-26 broomstick axles for sierras. it's not a cheap option, but the floater will net the strongest possible shafts in sierra sizing.

Basically axles are about $600
Seal blanks for the axle ends are about $200
you'll need new brake lines, complete hubs, rotors calipers etc from the front of a sierra $$?
housing straightening and machining after plate welding $200 or so

Starts to make drop in HD axles look very affordable, so long as they are up to it.

Steve.

Those full floater rears you guys are getting round with look the goods but as you say $$ its starts to add up, although the coolness factor is up there . I'm sure you could integrate jimny vacuum hubs for a poor mans rear disconnect if you had a set lying around. Coolness factor again through the roof .

so hopefully these TT rear shafts will prove to be good. I'll drive on my standards until i think they aren't up to it anymore.