Front axle weak point

[abdiver]

I will soon come close to maxing the rated GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) of my front axle I was wondering what is the weak point of front axle.



Thanks Bill

 

[abdiver]

Is it the Tires?

 

[NIsaacs]

Bill, it's kinda hard to overload the 5200lb rated front axle, maybe with a snow plow. The front tires are rated for 6,000 lbs, plus. I don't know of any weak points.



I do wish that Ford would use the Dana 70 front axle in the F550's, not that I need an F550, but it seem like they should. In the older days Dodge and IHC both used the Dana 70's in the one tons.



How are you overloading your front axle?





"NICK"

 

[DIESELMAN]

Simple to overload actually, 2004. 5 DRW 4X4 with 98 gallon Transflow tank, 133 gallons on board, me, the wife, back seat with gear and the fiver at 10-11K, 2200 on the pin, puts the front axle at 5140 lbs. (7000+ on rear).



My opinion as to the weakest link, Ball Joints, they will wear out sooner than you think if you load it and use it and its a 4-6 hour ordeal to change them out, not tough, you just need a puller, a press and patience.



My '03 went through 2 sets (plus originals) in 120+K and 4 Alaska Trips.

 

[abdiver]

The Ball Joints are a wear item, Once a MOOG replacement comes along it will fix the Ball Joint problemIs the weak point the rims or is it the springs ??



I would like to get a nice front bumper and winch but at this point I would be over front axle rating



Thanks again

 

[jwduke]

I agree, the ball joints have to be the weak point... ... ... .

 

[jimnance]

I will soon come close to maxing the rated GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) of my front axle I was wondering what is the weak point of front axle.



Thanks Bill

Ball joints, however the severity of the problem will depend upon the type of driving you do. I've had three CTD's that I took to 100K and never replaced the ball joints. My '03 only had 36K when I sold it so maybe the problem is more of an issue in the late models.