TY (delayed reply)

Rob

 

Rob,

Thanks for taking the time to do the write-up. Always appreciated.

I have a question though... Why change the axles? Is this an upgrade or alternative for repair?

Thanks.
David

 

Not to take any info away from Rob, but yes this is a upgrade when making lots of hp and launching hard at the drag strip. wheel hop destroys stock diffs and axles when making lots of Hp. These are chromoly 300M axles that are made alot stronger than the stock axles.

 

Thanks for the info.

I did not realize that "300M" was an alloy designation.

Obviously it would be an upgrade.

Alloy info...
http://www.suppliersonline.com/prope.../300M.asp#Spec

 

Excellent write up and pics. Thanks for taking the time to do so.
This is what makes the forum great.


This should be a sticky!

 

Thanks feilding that one Greg. BTW I'm glad to hear (from Ramy) that you are happy with that tranny.

300M is widely used in performance drive line components and aircraft landing gear because of its "ultra high strength and fracture toughness." Realistically there are stronger/lighter materials out there, but this is about as good as it gets within budgetary reason. I believe 300m is still widely used in indy and F1, though they may have moved on to bigger and better alloys by now.

 

We're happy to contribute ;o)

 

Ok I busted one of my c clips taking it out.... do you know the easiest way of finding a new one

 

You'll want to call your local Mazda parts guy and pick a couple up.

 

Good write-up. I would caution you against forming the c-clip into a perfect closed circle. It's supposed to be odd shaped to act as a detent to keep the axle solidly connected in the differential...My 2 cents.

 

I didn't mention this in the write-up, but removing/installing the clip was actually the biggest PIA out of entire process. The axles would not slide in unless The clips were initially closed like shown in the pics. You'll find that the rings expand substantially when you open them up with the clip spreader to slide them onto the end of the shaft. You have to make sure to spread the clip just barely enough to fit over the end of the axle or you will have problems getting the axles into the diff due to excess lip protrusion.

I would recommend buying new clips if possible.

 

thanks four that, its great that you take the time out to help others thanks

 

Thanks, Nick (Turb0x2) and my non-forum buddy James helped too, but we're all just trying to spread the wealth. I've learned a lot on these forums and I'd be selfish not to give a little back now and then.

 

useful info bump

 

Anyone use this? ;o) Your thoughts?

 

300M CV joint write-up coming soon ;o)

 

This was an awesome write up. Just when I was about to give up I found this thread.

I hate to say this but I custom made one of those c clips..don't ask what out of

 

lol. OK I won't ask..But you're gonna tell me right? ;o)

 

great writeup by the way.. this is what I was looking for.

I need help with getting the axle back into the diff. Is it ok to hit the wheel end of the axle with a hammer to get it in or should it just slide easily in when I get the clip right?

Everytime I try to position the clip so that the open end is facing up, the clip slides back out of the groove and I'm assuming that is my problem. Any advice you could give me would be really appreciated.

 

The axle should pop right in fairly easily IF your C-clips are properly installed. The fact that your clips are rotating or sliding around seems to indicate that they are on too loose. You may have over stretched the clips (even if they were new) when you applied them to the axle.

Can you confirm that your clips are on tight and not bent or bulging?

 

I actually got theh axle to pop in with some extra force. I put the hub back on attached to the upper arm and gave the hub and the axle a good jolt and it finally popped in. I guess I didn't have enough leverage from down below to knock it in. It took some good effort though.

 

Good man. Enjoy your new axles.