Front axle question

[m16ty]

I've got a m35a2 that I'm parting out. I've been trying to sell the axles to the rockcrawler guys and they always ask " does the axles have u-joints or are they the older syle". Is there any way to tell what I have short of taking the clamp off the boot and looking in there?

 

[Offroadfabworks]

cut the boot,
turn the knuckle completely one way.
stick your hand in it and feel the joint.

Thats is the #1 question they will always ask

 

[gringeltaube]

ORFW is right. See http://shortlinks.net/new922

G.

 

[tie6044]

I always pull mine apart to make sure when I'm selling axles. Do yours still have the tags on them? If they say Rockwell on them they are u-joint shafts in the front (unless they have been swapped but I've never seen that), if they say Timken on the tag they are usually the old style. What year is the truck? If it is a '68 or newer it is going to be new style.

 

[drthunder33]

Yeah, just cut the boots. Anybody interested will no doubt replace the boots anyhow and will appreciate being able to see for sure what's inside.

 

[Big Mike's Motor Pool]

i have found that if the axle has one tierod end clamp on each side of the tierod it is a u joint model. 2 clamps means older axles

 

[m16ty]

I always pull mine apart to make sure when I'm selling axles. Do yours still have the tags on them? If they say Rockwell on them they are u-joint shafts in the front (unless they have been swapped but I've never seen that), if they say Timken on the tag they are usually the old style. What year is the truck? If it is a '68 or newer it is going to be new style.

I thought all Rockwells had the u-joint but I had some people still question me about it so I got to thinking maybe that wasn't so.

I cut the boot today to make sure. Found out you can't see in there and you barely can get your fingers in there enough to feel the joint from the back.

 

[Offroadfabworks]

nope there is 3 diffrent types of shafts that have been installed in rockwells. but U-joint is the newest style, and most common. Its still the #1 asked ? by buyers

yea it usually works best if you have skinny fingers. but one side is easier to get in then the other (front, back of knuckle wise.)