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02-12-2012, 01:33 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 126
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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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02-12-2012, 03:35 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Rancho Nuevo (Cabo/Todos Santos) B.C.S. and San Diego, CA
Posts: 1,952
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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.
__________________
Four time Baja 1000 winner, four time Baja 500 winner. Solo'ed the Baja 1000 to LaPaz/Cabo twice.
4-Wheeling since 1972, Desert Racing since 1989.
AgileOffRoad.com
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02-12-2012, 08:20 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Washougal, Wa
Posts: 1,047
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Re: Semi vs Full Floating axles
Quote:
Originally Posted by BajaSportsmobile
Simple answer: Look for the hubs.
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This is a picture of the hub on a full floating axle.
__________________
John
Gnarvan 1992 E350 Clubwagon
Advanced 4WD Systems Conversion
Sotar Legend 12.5' X 22" Cataraft
2003 BMW R1150GS-Adventure
2013 BMW R1200GS-Adventure
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02-12-2012, 09:07 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 126
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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.
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This is a picture of the hub on a full floating axle.
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Thank you, if that's what a full float axle looks like
I have one in my van.
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02-12-2012, 10:06 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Oregon Ciry Oregon
Posts: 2,854
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Semi vs Full Floating axles
Thank you for the clear explanation. I have been wondering that too.
Larrie
89 Ford 2WD penthouse
__________________
Larrie
Read detailed trip reports, see photos and videos on my travel blog, luinil.com.
Current van: 2002 Ford E350 extended body camper with Colorado Camper Van pop top and Agile Offroad 4WD conversion.
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02-12-2012, 07:17 PM
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#6
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Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: home to AK soon
Posts: 63
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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...
__________________
2008 6.0 PSD with Advanced 4x4 conversion
I love gas vans too!
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02-12-2012, 09:06 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Western Colorado
Posts: 1,228
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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.
__________________
Desert Solitaire
2003 7.3L EB 4x4
Timberline 4x4 conversion
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02-12-2012, 09:26 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Rancho Nuevo (Cabo/Todos Santos) B.C.S. and San Diego, CA
Posts: 1,952
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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.
__________________
Four time Baja 1000 winner, four time Baja 500 winner. Solo'ed the Baja 1000 to LaPaz/Cabo twice.
4-Wheeling since 1972, Desert Racing since 1989.
AgileOffRoad.com
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02-12-2012, 10:18 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Oregon Ciry Oregon
Posts: 2,854
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Semi vs Full Floating axles
Makes sense to me. Thanks
Larrie
89 Ford 2WD penthouse
__________________
Larrie
Read detailed trip reports, see photos and videos on my travel blog, luinil.com.
Current van: 2002 Ford E350 extended body camper with Colorado Camper Van pop top and Agile Offroad 4WD conversion.
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02-12-2012, 11:17 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: California
Posts: 1,012
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Re: Semi vs Full Floating axles
__________________
2006 E350 6.0PSD 5R110, SMB 4X4, RB-50, ARB lockers front/rear, Aluminess galore, AMP steps.
Callsign KK6GIY
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