Re: [AMC-list] 62 rambler axle power capability

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Axle strength isn't a problem. Mark Price is running an AMC 15 behind his 4.0L, and I've run one behind a 4.6L stroker. It will be fine behind a 304 in a cruiser, even a mild 360. Retorque the axle nuts just to be sure -- 250-300 ft/lbs, no more! The 80s Eagles that broke axles were accidentally torqued to 500-600 ft/lbs at the factory. That put added stress on the end of the axle leading to an eventual breakage.

The main problem is the axle itself. The pinion shaft isn't drilled for a bolt to hold the yoke on and is hardened -- I don't think you can drill it. You'd have to drill the yoke for a roll pin. I don't think there is enough room beyond the seal to use set screws. The pin doesn't have to go THROUGH the pinions shaft. File a notch in 2-3 of the splines so about 1/2 the diameter of the pin (about a 1/8" pin) will fit in the notch. All it need to do is keep the yoke from moving back and forth, there isn't a lot of force there. A lot of industrial equipment uses that method to keep shafts together.

The clincher here is will an open drive AMC 15 yoke have the same OD at the seal as the torque tube model. I think it does, but not sure. The seal on the TT model is carried by a sheet metal cone sandwiched between the tube flange and axle. Easy enough to seal it and bolt it on.

Personally, I'd just get another axle. Ford Ranger axles are close enough to the right width to work. The standard 7.5" axle will be as strong as the AMC 15, actually a bit stronger since it uses one piece axle/hub units. Or you can use a 8.8" if you really want to -- but with a mild 304 the 7.5" will be fine. A pre 93 Ranger would be the best fit width wise. The 93+ is 1/5" wider, and the Explorer axle is 1.5" wider than that (3" wider than pre 93 Ranger). Or use an AMC 15 from a Concord (et. al.) or American.

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Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:39:38 -0800 (PST)
From: d stohler<das24rules@xxxxxxxxx>

i THINK im about to get the chance to put my 304/t5 in my '62 classic. i have a triangulated 4 link suspension systen to put in it. currently, i have a t96-od trans. i THINK i have the 4.11 gears?? looking at my tsm, the od trans cars had 4.11, or 4.38 gears. i think i have 4.11. i was just wondering. i do away with the t-tube, and go open drive, put my 4 link on this rear axle, with the t5 behind a 304. it wont be a drag racer or anything. just a nice cruiser. would it last very long? reason id like to keep this axle, its the twin grip. im hoping it could be just fine for cruising. these axles dont have the bad problems of breaking hubs like my eagle axles do do they? let the wheel go flying on its own??

--
Frank Swygert
Editor - American Motors Cars Magazine
www.amc-mag.com

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