Someone please define axlewrap...

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Jun 20, 2001 | 04:29 PM

theleetbeagle

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From: Canton, OH

Someone please define axlewrap...

Could someone please define what axlewrap is? I've been hearing it for quite a while now and I have no idea what it is. Seems like it occurs on lifted trucks?

Thanks!
-Nick.

Jun 21, 2001 | 04:40 AM

dfwscotty

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Someone please define axlewrap...

Now don't test me on all of the technical parts of this but I believe axle wrap occurs when you put so much power to the wheels that the axle will have a tendency to turn or just like the term states, "wrap". The torque is trying to turn your axle housing. You might check with some 4x4 msg boards or off-road board if you need more technical explanation.

Jun 21, 2001 | 09:19 AM

whaynes

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Someone please define axlewrap...

Scotty is correct. This occurs when axle torque causes the rear springs to flex and load up. When this occurs the "release" cause a slight hop by the rear wheels which in loose traction uphill acceleration, make any forward progress difficult. Lifted Trucks can have an aggravated problem with this if lift blocks or softer springs are employed in the lift. If you increase the distance between the axle and the springs(ie lift blocks) you are increasing the leverage ability of the axle to wrap(twist) the springs.

WHaynes

93 F150 4.9L 4x4
4" ProComp StII Lift
BFG 33in 4.10's
Detroit TrueTrac's

Jun 21, 2001 | 10:06 AM

larry derouin

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From: Glen Burnie Maryland

Someone please define axlewrap...

And that's exactly the reason for traction bars / ladder rails on HY-PO cars, drag racers, etc.

Looking from the left side of the car/truck. Apply torque (fwd)to the tires (S.T.O.P. = Stomp Toe On Pedal or Spin Tires On Pavement) and the tire tries to turn counter clockwise. If the tire spins free, no problem. HOWEVER if you are trying to move the car the axle will always (under load) try and turn opposite to the tires, or clockwise.

This is more prevalent on cars with leaf springs than coils as with coils the axle is usually attached to the frame with upper and lower trailing arms, counteracting the tendency for the axle to flex or wrap.

Jul 4, 2001 | 08:27 AM

HippieCustoms

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Joined: Jul 2001

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From: South Carolina

Someone please define axlewrap...

The best way to demonstrate axle wrap that I have found is this... With the truck turned off and in park, stand over one of the rear tires and with your hands, rock the tire back and forth against the lock in the tranny. If you watch the snout of the axle it will move up and down in relation to the ground. This is axle wrap. Now imagine if it was your engine doing the twisting instead of your bare hands. Hope this helped.

1995 f-150 x-cab 4x4. 5.0 with gt40p heads,crane compucam 2030 with matching springs and roller rockers. K&N filter, power pullies,Mac equal length shorty's,Flowmaster 3" in 2, 2 1/2" out with rear cat removed. 4.56 geared with 36" super swampers. 6" sups, 3" body lift.

Jul 4, 2001 | 11:41 AM

jakegypsum

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From: Linwood, N.J. USA!

Someone please define axlewrap...

The same theory applies when running a drill through a piece of steel or hard wood. If the drill bit gets bound up in the steel, the drill itself will try to turn, or wrap, in the opposite direction. A side handle on the drill helps stabilize it from wrapping and twisting your arm around. Thus, the same theory of traction or ladder bars.

Jakegypsum // Ford fleet, soup to nuts.