Axle Girdle Cover Question

[Scott B.]

Those of you who have the heavy duty axle girdle cover (say that 3 times fast ) on your 8.8, or are considering getting one -

Has anyone considered or used the bearing cap stud kit recommended and sold by Ford Motorsports? It's only $30.00, but is it really worth it?

What it is is a set of 4 studs and nuts, that replace the existing bolts holding the bearing carriers. I realize studs are stronger, but has anyone ever broken a carrier bolt?

 

[Paul Gagnon]

I put the stud kit in mine. It is a set of studs and nuts. I don't really know if it makes any difference but I figured what the hell? If you are doing it with the rearend in the truck then it will be easy. If you are doing it with the rearend out of the truck you might want a friend to help you hold onto the rearend while you are tightening the studs.

 

[Ray Hutchinson]

Scott,

I recently purchased a HD cast aluminum Differential cover with compression bolts from JEGS that supposedly adds support to the bearing caps. This will work with my ARB, and is very similar to the one Rick runs. It is the kind designed for dragsters, but after all the trouble several had grenading their ARB's at MOAB200, I decided to pop for one. Do you ( or anyone else on the board) know if: 1. the Ford stud cap kit works with or helps ARB's . 2. Will there be any advantage to having both, or is it even possible? 3. What is the Ford P/N?

 

[Rick]

There is no reason that you couldn't run the stud kit Ray. Engine builders have used studs on crankshaft main caps for years. Most conecting rods use studs and nuts instead of bolts. I have heard the reason for this is that you are actually pulling the cap in with a nut and stud instead of pushing it in with a bolt.

 

[Scott B.]

Studs vs. Bolts

Ray,

1 - the stud kit will help strengthen the bearing cap mounting no matter what type of differential unit you have.

2 - by both, I assume you mean the heavy-duty cover and the stud kit. Either could be used by themselves, or together. Yes, I think there is an advantage to using both - every little bit helps, right?

3 - the Ford Motorsports part numbers are:
Axle Girdle cover M-4033-G
Stud kit (8.8, Dana 60) M-4034-A

(double check those before spending any money - they're from memory!)

If anyone is interested, I found a Motorsports dealer on the net - CJs Pony Parts http://fordmotorsportparts.com/ I ordered my parts yesterday, and will let you know when I get them.

 

[Scott B.]

Question for Paul G

Paul,

When you installed your stud kit, did you take the rear end apart, or just remove the bolts, and replace them with studs?

The reason I ask is the manufacturer is out of stock on the studs, and I might need to assemble the rear end with the bolts. It shouldn't be a problem to swap them out later, and not have to change shims or worry about backlash.