V1 CV Axles - Performance

[Desert Sasqwatch]

I looked through the postings in the engine/transmission section, didn't see anything that was specifically for a CV axle discussion.

My question to everyone on is, what axles are you using? Donor, auto parts sourced or performance (stage) axles?

For those who are pushing the envelope with HP (350+), what has been your experiences with the axles being used? Holding up or any failures?

I was cruising the DSS (Driveshaft Shop) pages and it looks like they only have their stage 4 axles (800 HP) listed at $1600 per pair. Modern Performance in Houston lists DSS stage 2 axles (400 HP) listed at $800 per pair - on sale. I'm certain there are some others out there.

A dilemma that the F40 builders are running into is finding a shortened driver's side axle - if you didn't spend the big $$$ for the ZZP F40 swap kit. BTW, don't bother with the the OTTP swap kit, won't work, they list their conversion driver's side axle as shortened - it is not! Custom axles are available, but are $600+ for just the single axle.

An alternative is to shorten a LNF axle, since it is already has a more robust shaft than can obtained in the market now. Dutchman Axles in Idaho lists shortening services for CV axles - and not really that expensive. The trick is sending them a bare axle shaft with the correct dimensions. I'm going to give this a try and hopefully not end up with an unusable axle.

Post your thoughts and experiences.

 

[Robinjo]

I have 1 donor (drivers) and 1 O’Reiley’s replacement (passenger) axles. They have held up fine but I’m no where near that 350+ hrsprs. More like 230-240 hrsprs.

 

[Chubbs]

Sorry I can't contribute to the thread, but I'm curious about the dilemma. Where are people breaking axles? On the street?

I know mine breaks traction constantly. First gear is useless. Second gear will spin on the upshift, and in any corner. And I'm on an LSJ with bolt-ons (lets round up and say 250hp). Unless you're on a super tacky prepped drag strip, I can't imagine the tires adhering to the point that you break the axles.

Perhaps you are building a drag strip goblin. In that case, I feel for you. Breaking stuff is expensive.

 

[Scott #321]

Just switched to F23 w Autozone axles and Saturn Vue half shaft. Avoiding the local drag days for the same concern of breaking something.

 

[ATMironov]

IMO, unless you are pushing big HP, use auto part store axles they will hold up.
however, if you need to make custom axles, I’m of the mind set buy once cry once, especially if it’s going to be hard to replace if they fail.

 

[Sluggonaut]

Just think how many axles you will need to break to reach the stage 4 price. Also, I'd rather the axle fail so the trans doesn't.

I'm using the ZZP axles and I'm somewhere north of 300 at the wheels. I haven't launched it at the drag strip or anything but I haven't been bashful in testing everything either. I only have about 1k miles on them so even if there will be problems I probably haven't used them enough to find the breaking point.

 

[SmsDetroit]

I’m still running my stock LNF axles. I’m breaking the new clutch in now. I run my car hard almost every time I take it out. I’ll let you guy know if or when I break them and how

 

[Scott #321]

I’m still running my stock LNF axles. I’m breaking the new clutch in now. I run my car hard almost every time I take it out. I’ll let you guy know if or when I break them and how

I ran the stock lnf axles for a year and made virtually every attempt to break them to no avail at around 350 whp. I wouldn't worry too much about the lnf axles but when yo go down to the f23 the axles are half the diameter.

 

[JBINTX]

LNF stock axles. Tuned to 300 hp.
Have dumped the clutch so many times the last two years at the start at autoX with sticky tires. No problems so far.

@Ross can tell you about air time over train tracks..........

 

[Ross]

Oh, I forgot about the train track testing. The axle broke because when the tires left the road, the wheels spun up, and when we landed, the sudden stop, and the extreme CV joint angle, combined to break the axle. At least that is my best theory. I did hear the wheels spin up, so the axles were good at that point... probably should have got out of the throttle sooner... but testing requires sacrifices, besides, I won the bet.

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

In case anyone is curious, here's what a bare LNF axle shaft looks like. 13.5625 inches long with the narrowest section (1.05 inch) towards the outside 6 bearing CV joint.

Good to hear the LNF axles stand up to abuse, since the alternative to anything stronger appears to be a custom made axle - at $600+.

This one is going off to be shortened and resplined for the F40 driver's side.

 

[Tinkles]

From my days of messing with Cavaliers there was never a solid answer to the stock VS aftermarket axle question. Some people had great luck making good power and drag racing on stock axles. Some people could not stop breaking DSS aftermarket axles. This is all with the F23 5-speed transmission. I would imagine that Goblins would be easier on axles because of the lighter weight.

 

[Jmar1622]

Just switched to F23 w Autozone axles and Saturn Vue half shaft. Avoiding the local drag days for the same concern of breaking something.

Saturn Vue half shaft? Please elaborate

 

[Rauq]

Saturn Vue half shaft? Please elaborate

That's more relevant for SS/TC donors, I believe, as they can't use base model axles due to different splines in the hub.

 

[Metal Mech]

While we are on the topic of axles, a bit of a different question? Can you remove both axles without needing to use a shaft plug? I used to deal with some transmissions years ago that if you didn't use a shaft plug the internals would shift out of alignment and you would have to take the transmission apart. I am guessing that not a issue on this one, but figured it couldn't hurt to ask.

 

[Gtstorey]

Not an issue for F35.

While we are on the topic of axles, a bit of a different question? Can you remove both axles without needing to use a shaft plug? I used to deal with some transmissions years ago that if you didn't use a shaft plug the internals would shift out of alignment and you would have to take the transmission apart. I am guessing that not a issue on this one, but figured it couldn't hurt to ask.