Broken Axle Tube

[cody.agler]

I bought a 98 Expedition with A4WD and 4x4. It came with a 3" body lift and a 3" suspension lift that the guy bought off of ebay. The CV boots were cracked so I replaced them and the half axle. I back it out of the shop and as I get down the drive way the front end started to bind. So I took it back in the shop and figured I would lower the torsion bolts about an inch. I did this and it ran fine with no vibrations or anything. About a month later I noticed a puddle under my vehicle and it smelled like rear end grease. I got under there and saw my axle tube that bolts on to my differential was cracked all the way around. I replaced this part and about 3 weeks later the same thing happens again. What do I need to do. Everyone I have talked to has no idea and the only answers I get are lower your torsion bars more or take the suspension lift off. I really like the look of my expedition and that's why I bought it the way it was. I do not know what kind of suspension lift kit is on it but I do know that the guy bought it off of ebay and it was just 2 torsion keys and something for the rear end. Does anyone know what to do or has anyone had this problem before?

 

[Thermo]

Cody, from the sounds of things, your mounts for the axle tube are too loose and what is happening is you are putting too much stress on the axle tube and it is causing it to flex and fail. Granted, depending on how the lift was done (sounds like spacers and torsion keys), the keys are putting the front CV axles at high angles that that can be putting too much stress on the differential, leading to the failure. I guess I need to know more about the "suspension lift". From the sounds of things, like I mentioned, it was nothing more than 3" spacers and 3" torsion keys. The lift keys are hell on the truck.

Oh, by the way. SWANTON BULLDOGS RULE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[cody.agler]

Thank you for the info. I was leaning on that it was the suspension lift that was put before I bought it but now if I take that off I have to buy new tires because my 35's won't fit under it and I don't have the money as of this second to blow on a "real" lift but most likely I will change it to just a 6' suspension lift. I live in Defiance because of work but I went to Napoleon High School. We played you guys one year which was my sophomore year. Thanks again.

 

[Thermo]

Cody, I remember heading out to Defiance atleast once a year whether it was for Football or for the various band competitions. Granted, that was back in the late 80's when I was doing that. I left NW Ohio back in the summer of 89 and only now come back that way periodically to see family.

As for fitting tires. You can run 35's on the stock suspension (I did it for a month), but what you will notice is that if you have to turn and go up a hill at the same time, you will end up with some rubbing. But, on level ground (like what you will find out in that area a lot), it won't be a problem. You can modify the back of the front wheel wells ($10 mod, takes about 2 hours to do) and that will take care of a majority of the rubbing. Also, a good trim on the front valance will also minimize the amount of rubbing.

if you need to know any information, let me know. We can get you taken care of.