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Old 02-12-2012, 01:33 AM   #1
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Semi vs Full Floating axles

I'm sorry if this has been answered here on another post.
Is there an easy way to determine if you have a semi
or full floating rear axle?

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Old 02-12-2012, 03:35 AM   #2
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Re: Semi vs Full Floating axles

Full Floating axle has a ~4.25" dia. hub in the middle of the lug bolts that sticks out 2" to 6" depending on make. Semi-floating axles have no hub and the wheel is fastened directly to the axle flange. Simple answer: Look for the hubs.
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Old 02-12-2012, 08:20 AM   #3
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Re: Semi vs Full Floating axles

Quote:
Originally Posted by BajaSportsmobile
Simple answer: Look for the hubs.
This is a picture of the hub on a full floating axle.

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Old 02-12-2012, 09:07 AM   #4
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Re: Semi vs Full Floating axles

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gnarvan
Quote:
Originally Posted by BajaSportsmobile
Simple answer: Look for the hubs.
This is a picture of the hub on a full floating axle.

Thank you, if that's what a full float axle looks like
I have one in my van.
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Old 02-12-2012, 10:06 AM   #5
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Semi vs Full Floating axles

Thank you for the clear explanation. I have been wondering that too.


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Old 02-12-2012, 07:17 PM   #6
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Re: Semi vs Full Floating axles

Is one better than the other? Anyone care to expound on the advantages/disadvantages??

I'm clueless...
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Old 02-12-2012, 09:06 PM   #7
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Re: Semi vs Full Floating axles

Short version.

Semi Float: The axle shaft itself does two jobs. It supports the weight of the vehicle and also transmits the torque. Less load carrying capacity and if the axle breaks you are dead in the water.

Full float: The axle shaft only transmits torque. The axle housing/hub and larger bearings carry the weight of the vehicle. If the axle shaft breaks you can still travel, just no power to the wheel.
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Old 02-12-2012, 09:26 PM   #8
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Re: Semi vs Full Floating axles

A semi-floating axle, uses a flanged axle that has a single wheel bearing on the outer end of the axle, just inboard of the wheel mounting surface. This flanged axle not only drives the wheel but it also carries the weight of the vehicle and impacts the wheel experiences; so that there are torsional loads and sheer loads on the axles and only one bearing. Failure of the bearing or axle will most often result in the loss of the wheel.

A full-floating axle housing has a hollow spindle on each end, and two bearings on each spindle with a hub riding on those bearings. This spindle, bearing and hub assembly carries the weight of the vehicle and the impacts the wheel experiences. Because there are two bearing on each spindle, it is much more stable and can carry much more load. The drive axle shaft extends through the spindle and is bolted to the hub, to drive the hub. The drive axle carries no weight and only propels the hub and wheel. If the drive axle fails, it has no impact on the spindle, bearing and hub assemblies ability to carry the load and retain the wheel.

I hope that is at least as clear as mud.
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Old 02-12-2012, 10:18 PM   #9
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Semi vs Full Floating axles

Makes sense to me. Thanks


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Old 02-12-2012, 11:17 PM   #10
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Re: Semi vs Full Floating axles

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