Extended Travel CV Axle Half Shafts

[wollimann]

why would you need extended length cv axles?

In my case the stiff torson bars were screwed up to compansate the higher rear with longer shakles
and add-a-leaf springs.
(do not have the $$$ for longer travel suspension)
Yes, for the stock high suspension the OEM axles are good and they work fine in their "comfort zone".
If the front is screwed up the OEM axles will fail much sooner, not the boots will fail
but the inner tripode joints.
I hoped the the greater angles of these TrakMotive axles will meet my requirements.
I think they did until now, only the outer boots fail.
As TrakMotive support told me today:
"These axles are not made to be taken apart so I cannot give you any info as to how to replace or remove any piece of the axle."
That must be the reason the joint puller brake off.

The new boot spreader SKF VKN 402 is great, but the soft silicone boots were disrupted
while spreading.
Now i have to look for other spreadable boots.

Wolfgang

 

[Fordtruckfan89]

I decided to scrap this idea after 3 sets failing,im sending them back to rock auto for a refund. Already installed trakmotive stock replacements.

 

[wollimann]

Now i got two sets (one as spare) with new spreadable universal SKF boots and SKF 25013 dust rings.
Installation was very easy, put them back in and we will see...

regards Wolfgang

 

[CDW6212R]

Fingers crossed, that SKF boot looks really good.

 

[410Fortune]

Well done!

 

[Fordtruckfan89]

If skf boots are as good as their seals, those should last a long time.

 

[wollimann]

Two month since i replaced the boots, everything is still fine.
Shock's are fully extended in these pictures.

The reason to jack up the Explorer was a loud metal noise at the driverside,
every time while driving over a pothole i thought something must be broken.
Maybe the swaybar links, no the two bolts of the swaybar bracket were lose.

regards

Wolfgang

 

[wollimann]

One year ago that i replaced the outer boots, now both inner trakmotive boots fail.
SKF boots still fine, but what's comming up next? As i changed the axels i noticed that
the front left caliper sliding bolts are stuck and the left upper controlarm bushings are worn out (squeaking).
I like the Explorer very much, but i am not charmed about this front end design.
Nothing new, i know...

 

[Fordtruckfan89]

One year ago that i replaced the outer boots, now both inner trakmotive boots fail.
SKF boots still fine, but what's comming up next? As i changed the axels i noticed that
the front left caliper sliding bolts are stuck and the left upper controlarm bushings are worn out (squeaking).
I like the Explorer very much, but i am not charmed about this front end design.
Nothing new, i know...

The aftermarket stock-style replacement axles I put in are still doing fine. I just don't go crazy with lifting the front end. Measured from the top center of the wheel opening straight down to the center of the hub, it's 21", and clears 32s (265/75r16s on 16x8s) without rubbing. I wouldn't go over this. It's not level with a 2" rear shackle lift,(wish it was) but it rides decent and nothing appears to be prematurely wearing out.

 

[Afrojoe1449]

Hey Wollimann, I'm wondering if you have any tips on where you found the SKF boots. I'm looking around here in Tennessee and online and can't find any supplier that isn't having to ship them from Europe. The other stretch boot brands I've seen with the right specs are also foreign. I'm hoping to do this next week and don't have time for international shipping. If anyone has any suggestions. The measurements I've got are 32.5mm inner 96mm outer and about 75mm in length. I'm thinking i might just end up using Flexxboot FB3002 but I'm concerned with failures as it's 114mm in length. Thanks guys. I wish the Trakmotive axles were just good to go out of the box, but the boot issue seems to be apparent with every case I've seen online.

 

[wollimann]

In europe you can get these universal boot's at "every corner", but i cant see any us shop listing these boots.
Can't believe that they do not sell them in the USA

https://cdn.skfmediahub.skf.com/api/public/0901d196805ed21d/pdf_preview_medium/0901d196805ed21d_pdf_preview_medium.pdf

https://cdn.skfmediahub.skf.com/api/public/0901d196801b00b4/pdf_preview_medium/0901d196801b00b4_pdf_preview_medium.pdf

 

[Afrojoe1449]

I called SKF resellers local to me, they all said they carried SKF bearings and seals but weren't aware of them making CV boots. I did not have time (and it is pretty costly) to ship international so I ended up ordering Flexxboot FB3002. The dimensions should be good aside from being 114mm in length which I think is about 40mm long. Regardless they'll be sealed for now at least. We will see how it goes on Monday. It does seem Europe and Australia have much more availability to stretch boots than the US. The most economical way for me to get SKF boots here would have been to buy a 10 pack on Ebay or Amazon it looked like. Economical being 10 boots for 120 vs 2 for 60-80.

 

[wollimann]

Good luck for you and regards!

 

[Afrojoe1449]

Thank you! I'll post back with info on how the Flexxboot fits for future reference.