towel33

I've got the opportunity to buy a front and rear dana 44 with the gearing I want for a really great price. But, I just found out the front axel is bent 1/8 of an inch per the seller. He says he's driving on it and it's no big deal but how much weaker is a slightly bent axel and is it worth straightening or will it always be weaker?

rob_engineer

My son bent his rear axle on his TJ by sliding into a curb. I didn't notice it until he had been driving for a month. I found a used axle shaft on eBay for $65 and replaced it. I was more worried about eventually wearing out other parts than I was a out whether the axle was weak.

FresnoJK

The axle shaft or axle housing?

AJMBLAZER

It's junk.

Bent axles lead to all kinds of things not to mention since it's already bent that just means the metal will be more willing to go more in the future. It could be straightened but the money put into straightening it would probably eat up any savings on just buying and bracing a straight axle.

Also if he's claiming 1/8" as the seller figure it's worse.

There's various band-aid fixes to keep the alignment somewhat correct all are hokey.

Keep saving your money for a good axle.


*I assumed from his post he's talking about the housing.*

towel33

Correct, it is the housing that's bent. FYI I'm only looking at $2500 for both axels, I almost feel like that low enough to make it worthwhile.

AJMBLAZER

In that case...