Do I really need new axles?

Discussion in 'Got gears?' started by rkammer, Feb 13, 2023.

  1. rkammer

    rkammer Gold Level Contributor

    My GS is in the shop for an Eaton posi rebuild, new carrier, axle bearings, and U-joints. I have all the parts obtained from Monzas. The shop tells me that I also need new 28 spline axles. The axle is a '71-'72 8.5.

    The car is driven about 2000 miles a year and raced maybe 20 track passes a year on MT drag radials plus some street fun. The car is a low 12 second car with about 500 HP. Based on these pics, what do you "in the know" guys think?

    Axle pics (1).jpg Axle pics (2).jpg
     
  2. Redmanf1

    Redmanf1 Gold Level Contributor

    You might ask Brian or Monza. I see some ware but they are not twisted.
     
  3. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    If they have to be replaced, you might as well go with 28 spline Moser axles. Monzaz can help you there. I bought 30 spline Mosers because I was replacing everything. I think 28 spline is fine.
     
  4. 436'd Skylark

    436'd Skylark Sweet Fancy Moses!!!!!

    I would run them and check them once a year.
     
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  5. rkammer

    rkammer Gold Level Contributor

    Moser wants $460 plus shipping and can't deliver for almost a week. I'd rather not spend $500 plus for axles as little as I race this car.

    I've sent Jim (Monzas) pics and am waiting on an opinion from him and prices on axles he can provide just in case.
     
  6. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    I'm saying if you HAVE TO replace them, I would pay the extra money to get the Mosers. If not, then just reuse your axles.
     
  7. BrianTrick

    BrianTrick Brian Trick

    I have good stock shafts,if that is what you are looking for. IF you are going to get new shafts,go straight to 30-spline shafts. The cost of the shafts is the same,but yes,you need need a 30-spline posi unit.
    Your shafts aren’t that bad. Typical used muscle car axle shaft. You “could” swap sides just to punish the better side.
    Joe,
    Im not sure that you checked these:
     

    Attached Files:

  8. rkammer

    rkammer Gold Level Contributor

    So, what are the two pics? Your shafts on your car?
     
  9. Dano

    Dano Platinum Level Contributor

    I trust what Brian says but to me, they look like something waiting/wanting to break. I'd be thinking about it every time I launched the car. I also understand about not wanting to spend $500. I'd at least put a different set of stock axles in that don't show that wear and then check them in a year or two & see. If they show the same issue, then put in the Mosers.
     
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  10. sean Buick 76

    sean Buick 76 Buick Nut

    My vote is to re use them. You aren’t twisting them so they should be fine for a while.
     
    john.schaefer77 likes this.
  11. 436'd Skylark

    436'd Skylark Sweet Fancy Moses!!!!!

    Are those from my six cylinder car?

    RIP... I miss that hoopty.
     
  12. Super Bald Menace

    Super Bald Menace Frame off oil changes

    Go with the existing axles for now and order a set. They are easy to replace since Buicks dont have C clips and you dont have to deal with all that.
     
    john.schaefer77 likes this.
  13. Bens99gtp

    Bens99gtp Well-Known Member

    They have a little engagement rub from being 50 years old, but nothing dramatic.

    When they look like this its time to replace
     

    Attached Files:

    Buicksky likes this.
  14. BrianTrick

    BrianTrick Brian Trick

    Yes Joe,those were from your 8.5”,but it also had a broken spider and some other carnage.
    Ray,
    I would choose either stock shafts or an aftermarket pair of 30-spline shafts. I just wouldn’t pay to have a new pair of 28-spline shafts made. You wouldn’t be any further ahead after that money spent. You can re-use the ones you have,but just install them on the opposite sides.
     
    Super Bald Menace likes this.
  15. Briz

    Briz Founders Club Member

    Yours are fine for what your doing with the car. I was doing trans brake launches on slicks with these for several seasons and wouldnt have noticed if I hadnt grenaded the mini spool.
     

    Attached Files:

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  16. 436'd Skylark

    436'd Skylark Sweet Fancy Moses!!!!!

    Do you remember which rear they were from Brian? I know you have bought 3-4 from me. You bought the one from the buzzin' half dozen when I was leaving Erie. All the others came from parts cars. I can't imagine that 250 hurt that rear. That car wouldn't even power brake!
     
    rkammer likes this.
  17. Oldskewl59

    Oldskewl59 Gold Level Contributor

    If your shop says new axles then I would look at the difference between stock and aftermarket, like Moser. Is it worth a few more bucks? Probably.
     
    sean Buick 76 likes this.
  18. fastest430

    fastest430 Well-Known Member

    Was that the one I bought from Joe ,Brian?
    It looks early familiar
     
  19. monzaz

    monzaz Jim

    I agree With Brian on the MOSER DEAL.... BUY 30 do not do 28...till then either get stockers 28 that have less punishment or reuse what you have for now.
    If you wanted to go 30 spline in your Eaton unit you would / should only need to buy 30 spline spiders.... that is if that is a NEW unit that they already hog out the side gear carrier bearing axle holes . Just swap the spiders and buy thew axles and you will be able to hit more power down the road. TRACK type power.
    Remember the concern here is the TRACK time you spend ...if your only street bound you should be ok.
    Jim
    JD Race
     
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  20. 436'd Skylark

    436'd Skylark Sweet Fancy Moses!!!!!

    That's interesting. I never got the car to hook with that rear. I did go 12.05@117 with it, but the 60' was in the 1.85 range.
    I feel bad to hear it had issues, it never made any noise or clunks. I would have never sold it had i known there was a broken spider gear.
     

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