Axle Replacement After Lift Install ?

[rtd16]

I'm just going to apologize ahead of time for posting about this topic again, I'm just really looking for the expertise and guidance that exists out there in getting through a problem. I posted elsewhere about having a driver's side axle/CV issue after having a lift installed (Eibach Pro Truck, about 3", Zone UCA). Have knocking/clicking coming from driver's side, only when in 4WD when the axle is being driven. Took it to the dealer who wouldn't do anything and said its most likely the CV being overextended from the lift. I've also read and spoke with a couple on here who also believe the inner CV probably separated during lift install.

I believe I can tackle pulling and replacing the axle myself. My question is has anyone had a similar issue and did you stick with the stock axle shaft (mine is M190) or upgrade. Basically is the stock axle okay for a 3" lift, or am I pissing in the wind replacing it with stock. I just can't cough up $2K at the moment for upgraded axles and I'd really like my 4WD back for the winter.

Thanks in advance for any help, and apologize again for plaguing the forum with the same post/question.

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[rtazz17]

sounds like the axle wasnt put back in correctly after the lift was installed or not pushed in the diff far enough. Hopefully its not that. I have a 3.5 inch lift with stock axles. Stock is fine. It was probably an installation error that caused it. Axels are always turning even when not in 4x4. Free spinning. Its really hard to pull that axle out of diff without prying on it. They prolly removed axle for some reason during the install and did not push it in so the clip locks in. If thats the case hopefully there is no metal shavings in your diff from engaging 4x4. I would flush out the diff too.

 

[rtd16]

Thanks rtazz17. Visually it looks fully inserted into the differential, although I haven't dropped the spindle or anything out of the way to 'feel' if it is. But that is reassuring your running an even higher ride height without issue.

 

[rtazz17]

Thanks rtazz17. Visually it looks fully inserted into the differential, although I haven't dropped the spindle or anything out of the way to 'feel' if it is. But that is reassuring your running an even higher ride height without issue.

Yes,the axles are definately at an aggressive angle after the lift . I assume I will need to replace axles sooner then I would have stock. But thats the game you play when messing with geometry of suspension I guess

 

[kodiakisland]

It really depends on what you are prepared to spend now vs later. The M190 as is may be fine for you long term. I figure I’ll eventually destroy mine and upgrade when I need to. As far as the CV, stock should be fine. I see no reason to upgrade CVs on the M190. Lipstick on a pig.

Id remove the shaft and see what the issue is. There are a few here who have put there’s back together and could walk you through the process.

When I spend for upgrades, it will be to the M210 and not trying to make the M190 what it is not, if that makes sense.

 

[Silver-Bolt]

At the very least, pull the axle and inspect the splines. If it is not fully seated running it may have damaged the splines.

 

[Ford Motor Company]

I'm just going to apologize ahead of time for posting about this topic again, I'm just really looking for the expertise and guidance that exists out there in getting through a problem. I posted elsewhere about having a driver's side axle/CV issue after having a lift installed (Eibach Pro Truck, about 3", Zone UCA). Have knocking/clicking coming from driver's side, only when in 4WD when the axle is being driven. Took it to the dealer who wouldn't do anything and said its most likely the CV being overextended from the lift. I've also read and spoke with a couple on here who also believe the inner CV probably separated during lift install.

I believe I can tackle pulling and replacing the axle myself. My question is has anyone had a similar issue and did you stick with the stock axle shaft (mine is M190) or upgrade. Basically is the stock axle okay for a 3" lift, or am I pissing in the wind replacing it with stock. I just can't cough up $2K at the moment for upgraded axles and I'd really like my 4WD back for the winter.

Thanks in advance for any help, and apologize again for plaguing the forum with the same post/question.

Hello there! If you can send us a private message with your VIN and dealership information, I can take a look into things on my end.

 

[rtd16]

If anyone is interested or following I did have the axle replaced with an M190. Noise seems to have stopped. Tech also suspected a CV joint issue but couldn’t pinpoint anything by articulating the axle shaft by hand.

 

[rtd16]

Well that was short lived. Although noise seemed to be gone immediately after the axle replacement, I had it in 4HI on snow covered roads driving to work (actually the "slippery" GOAT mode) and the repetitive clicking/thumping sounds is back. So not sure if it's just the angle of the axle shaft and the CV joint or something else. But I guess I have an extra axle shaft on hand now.

 

[rtazz17]

Well that was short lived. Although noise seemed to be gone immediately after the axle replacement, I had it in 4HI on snow covered roads driving to work (actually the "slippery" GOAT mode) and the repetitive clicking/thumping sounds is back. So not sure if it's just the angle of the axle shaft and the CV joint or something else. But I guess I have an extra axle shaft on hand now.

That sucks.......I ended up lowering my lift on my Bronco. I did not like the angles of the cv/axle. Only had put 1500 miles on it and took the spacer lift out. I put eibach 2.0 coilovers in instead. Kept about an inch lift. Axles are relatively horizontal or slightly downward. Nothing like it was. Pretty sure i was on borrowed time. Not sure what your cv angles are or what you do with your bronco,off road,full droop etc.

 

[rtd16]

Thanks. I have the adjustable EIbach coils springs on mine, so an option is to get out there and lower the lift. I measured the driver's side axle shaft angle at about 17 degrees (with vehicle on the ground) and passenger side at around 11, I believe. I also found elsewhere on here there are others finding a repetitive clicking noise coming from the front differential area which sounds eerily similar to my symptoms, and have had differentials repaired by the dealer to correct. I might be chasing the wrong problem.

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