Split Axle
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 122
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From: Western, Montana
Split Axle
I have had two people tell me that F-250's prior to 2001 have split axles. No one can describe to me what they are or if they are weaker or stronger. One person was a Ford salesman who indicated they were a weaker axle. I am relatively new to diesel applications (on my second power stroke) we old dogs are slow learners. Could someone please advise me about this axle? We pull a 26 foot fifth wheel, probably moving to a 30 footer soon.
Thank you
1999 F-250 Extended cab, long box w/Banks Big head
Thank you
1999 F-250 Extended cab, long box w/Banks Big head
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,864
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From: STEPHENVILLE,TX!!!!!
im not sure on that, i know theres a dana 60 behind my 97 F250 and im towing a 24' stock trailer or a 4 horse trailer behind it all the time. running down the road bout 8-10k on the trailer 150k miles original rear end
2002 F450 4x4 CC King Ranch 6sp 60k mi
97 F250 4x4 SC 4x4 5sp 150k mi
97 GMC P3500 van 6.5 turbo 100k
94 dodge 3500 4x4 520k mi orig motor
2002 F450 4x4 CC King Ranch 6sp 60k mi
97 F250 4x4 SC 4x4 5sp 150k mi
97 GMC P3500 van 6.5 turbo 100k
94 dodge 3500 4x4 520k mi orig motor
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,365
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From: IOWA
I guess what I know as a split axle is the front axle, It's kinda like an independent suspension where instead of a straight axle, each side is independent. I've heard they are weaker, have had a couple trucks with them and not real impressed. The biggest thing I've noticed from those axles is that the springs get weak and then the wheels bow out. I wouldn't think they would hold up very well to the diesel with all that weight up there, as the trucks I've had were gassers and it seemed like too much weight for them. I've got a '99 F-350 PSD, but it's got a straight axle. I couldn't tell you if the newer trucks still have them, my trucks are '82 and '90.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,137
Likes: 41
From: Marble Falls, Texas
They might have been talking about the front axle. Your rear axle should be a Visteon 10.25, correct me if I'm wrong guys. That axle is solid full floating and has no problem with the weight that your talking about. The front on older F250's was a Twin Traction beam Dana 50. Yes they are a little weaker than a solid Dana 60 front axle. But unless you do alot of off roading I wouldn't worry about it. If your truck is 4x4 you probably have a Dana 50 solid front axle. Again a little weaker but nothing to worry about unless you abuse it alot.
RubberDuck
RubberDuck
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,764
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From: CentralEastern Utah
I believe that Ford quit using the split front end after 97 model year trucks. Some people have trouble with them and some don't. I try to stay away from them when looking for a truck though.
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 727
Likes: 2
From: Seaside NJ
One other prob that I have seen with twin trac beam is that the suspension travels in an arc, couple this with weakend springs as mentioned above or add a plow and you have tire wear issues. It is basically the same concept that the older rangers, explorers and broncos had, but uses leaf springs as opposed to coils.
