12 fastlane
techtorque
3.
A plumb line was dropped
from the pinion centerline
out the back of the S60
housing.
4.
Now we measured the housing width from
flange back to the plumb line. The passenger
side measured 25.875 inches while the driver side
checked out at 26.875 inches. Even though the axle
tubes welded to the center section are exactly
the same width, there’s an inch difference for
the actual axle shafts. That is the pinion offset.
To double-check the numbers, we added the of
measurements together (25.875 + 26.875 = 52.750).
That figure should be the same as the flange-to-
flange housing width measurement made in the
first step.
5.
Axle shaft spline count and spline configuration
play an important role when ordering axles. Be
sure tell the axle tech folks the maker and spline
count for a spool or limited slip if you run one.
Some 35-spline spools have a different spline
profile than a 35-spline limited slip.
6.
As pointed out in the text, the type of brake you
use has an effect upon the final axle measurement.
While the width and thickness of the drum (to the
register) is important, you’ll also need to allow
for the air gap between the brake drum and the
backing plate. This air gap differs from car to car
and from brand to brand. Your axle manufacture
can help you out with this dimension.