How much (in ft-lbs) torque can the stock axles handle?

This is from Moser:
30 Spline - 6,200 ft. lbs. (per axle)
31 spline - 7,000 ft. lbs. (per axle)
33 spline - 8,200 ft. lbs. (per axle)
35 spline - 9,600 ft. lbs. (per axle)
40 spline - 12,000 ft. lbs. (per axle)

Even with a Heads/Cam package putting out 450ft-lbs their 30 splines would still be invincible. I would do this with the 12-Bolt, but how strong at the stock axles? If they can handle it I won't bother replacing them.

 

i wouldnt say invincible...very unlikely it will let go, but it always could. the stock axel im not really sure on. it depends on how badly you beat on it really. a m6 is going to snap it, typically, much earlier than an a4 will due to the "drivetrain shock"

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1999 Camaro SS A4 Black/Black/Dark Gray w/ Torch Red Hood Scoop and Torch Red Rear Stripe... 3:23 || SLP Loudmouth || SLP AirBox Lid w/ K&N || SLP Bowtie Grille || SLP CAI || SLP SFC || SLP STB || AZP&S Adjustable Fuel Pressure Regulator w/ 3psi Boost || Sullivan Aluminum Racing Pedals || Yank ST3500 || B&M 24K Tranny Cooler || Jet-Hot Hooker LT Headers w/ ORY || Dual 3'' Summit Cutouts || Hypertech 160 T-Stat || SLP Fan Switch || MAF-Translator || 17 x 9.5 Aluminum Z06 Wheels || Nitto 555R's || Macewen White Faced Gauges w/ Red Dash Bulbs & White Shift Selector Overlays || Xenon Headlights.

Me <------- Saving EVERY PENNY from now (Aug. '02) until summer '03 to TURBOCHARGE the SS!!

 

I would wonder if there isnt something missing from your equation.

Sure the car is putting out 400+ and the axle is rated at 6000+ but I would think that the weight of the car would be a factor along with the amount of traction at the time.

So to me, the torque, friction from the rear wheels and the weight of the car, maybe even the power needed to make the stationary vehicle move are all in consideration here.


So I dont know the answer but I would think there is more to it..

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Psycho Cabbage
2002 Camaro Z28
(6 sp) Bone stock
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-Traded in- 1995 Camaro Z28 (A4 (#6 I might add!),ES tranny mount and torque arm bushing,SLP CAI,ASP 34% Underdrive,Strange 3.73's (shredded Auburn),1LE alum driveshaft & intake elbow,Yokohamas AVS Intermediates,160-stat,MAF screen removed, HPP+(for shift points only),Borla Y-pipe, Flowmaster Force-II catback, Gutted Cat, Airlift Airbag, !TB Bypass, J&M LCA's, Bosch Platinums, Moroso BlueMax Wires, Free RamAir, Meziere Electric H2O pump, MAC 3point STB, BMR Panhard, SCR SFC's
Just installed:Nu-tek Heads (mild port) and Comp Cams 1.6RR's! New track and dyno #'s to follow!
best 13.44 @103.26
0-60ft 1.96
270 RWHP/296 RWTQ
0-60MPH 4.8sec
1987 Porsche 944S (waiting on LT1 mod)

 

I think you are missing something.

450ft-lbs x 3.06 first gear, x 4.10 rear = 5,645ft-lbs that the axle will have to handle. Moser says you want the smallest spline axle that will safely handle your power output. This means their 30-Splines (6,200ft.lbs)would hold up fine.

The question remains...how strong are the factory axles? And has anyone needed to replace them?

 

The axels on these cars remind me of the smog 70s. It is horrible to have a 300hp car with a 7.5 inch rearend when ford has a 225hp car with a 8.8 inch rearend. There are numerous reports of people breaking rearends at the track COMPLETELY STOCK!!! If you are doing any major power adders or bolt ons such as supercharger, turbo, heads, or 4.10s i would definetly invest in an aftermarket rearend!

 

I would be more concerned with the ring gear or spider gears before the axle. A 28 spline axle isn't weak, but a 7 5/8" ring gear is. A local guy near me runs a 1996 Z28 with a 383 stroker. He's in the 11.60 range with 1.6 60' times. So far, he has gone through 3 posi's, no ring gear or axle shaft failure. I don't know how that would equate in ft/lbs torsional twist on the axle shaft, but i would say that particular case is taking some abuse!!!

Scott

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1997 Z28 MM6 Moroso CAI, Flomaster American Thunder, Taylor, Air Foil, SLP Headers, Crane Ignition, MAF, HPPIII, 4:10's, Summit Girdle, Drilled Rotors,
13.75@ 100.98 MPH
2.055 60'

New Times w 4:10's

14.3 @ 99.46 2.2 60'
Angry, but dealing with it....