Axel Travel, can it be safely changed?

Diffs, axles, lockers, transmissions, portals, that kind of thing.
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dadnova
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Axel Travel, can it be safely changed?

Post by dadnova »

Went out his weekend and got high centered. The limit straps stop the axles from dropping, also the bump stops stop the axles from letting the tire raise up into the fender well.

Can the limit straps be lengthened a bit? and or the bump stops be shorted to allow for more wheel travel up and down without hurting the axles inside the axle tubes or transmission?

The front end is only about 3/4" from the bump stops when sitting, not much travel.

Was wondering if anyone knew, before I take the time and effort to disconnect things and start checking things out, shock travel and so on.
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TechMOGogy
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Re: Axel Travel, can it be safely changed?

Post by TechMOGogy »

Just in general...
solid axle vehicle you can play around with for indep. suspension its a no no!
Others with definitive Pinz experience are sure to chime in shortly
Dan
72 Pathfinder | 75 710M 2.7i | 96 350GDT Worker
undysworld
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Re: Axel Travel, can it be safely changed?

Post by undysworld »

NO.

The axles rotate on the driveline center, so since there's a shaft running through the middle of the diff case, the axles ride in arc-shaped grooves within the diff case. The straps limit the downward movement to prevent internal damage to the case and parts within.

Maybe taller tires might help? Or learn to live within the truck's capabilities (still enormous, imho).

Also sounds as if your front springs may be somewhat tired.
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Jimm391730
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Re: Axel Travel, can it be safely changed?

Post by Jimm391730 »

The front end is only about 3/4" from the bump stops when sitting, not much travel.
But the "bump stops" are hollow and corrugated, so they collapse quite a bit during use -- you get more travel than it appears (at least in the up direction).

There is a pin in the differentials that limit the motion of the axles, but I suspect that it is only useful during rebuilding of the differentials as the pin is not nearly substantial enough to limit movement when driving. If you lengthen the limiting straps, or shorten the bump stops, this pin could easily be sheared off and then you have a good sized chunk of metal rattling around with the diff gears, a recipe for a very expensive repair!
Jim M.
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Profpinz
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Re: Axel Travel, can it be safely changed?

Post by Profpinz »

You can see the problem with trying to increase the suspension travel in the internal differential componentry pic below.
The "bearing/pivot surfaces" can only rotate in a limited area.

Image
Peter

1974, 712 6X6 Pinzgauer
1983, 710-1.6 4X4 Pinzgauer
1997, 718 6X6 Pinzgauer (in pieces)
1971, 700 Haflinger
1974, 703 LWB Haflinger
2001, Range Rover

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TechMOGogy
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Re: Axel Travel, can it be safely changed?

Post by TechMOGogy »

This is a good overview by Scott at EI
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=G9wNbXZf6wU
72 Pathfinder | 75 710M 2.7i | 96 350GDT Worker
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rmel
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Re: Axel Travel, can it be safely changed?

Post by rmel »

Sounds like your looking for more clearance, you
running with the max tire diameter and good springs?
Stekay
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Re: Axel Travel, can it be safely changed?

Post by Stekay »

Was that the sound of my ring gears colliding? That'll leave a mark... on your wallet! :shock:
'76 710K
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