Axle and CV Upgrades in a Defender

[Jock The Rock]

Well after doing a bit of a search I couldn't really find a thread dedicated solely to the topic. If there is one could someone let me know where it is :p

But back to my question

I smashed a CV the other day, I think because there was a lack of lubrication. Very little of that grease/oil stuff was still in the cavity; so I reckon I'll convert them to oil while I'm poking around in there

What I would like to know is what should I uprgade too?

It does go offroad but I don't cain it, and I do plan on fitting a front locker at a later date

Here are the options that I have found so far:

Ashcroft Transmissions (http://www.ashcroft-transmissions.co.uk/category_17.html)
Ashcroft Transmissions (http://www.ashcroft-transmissions.co.uk/category_9.html)

Looking at about $1100 without freight for CVs and halfshafts

Rover Tracks Heavy Duty Land Rover Accessories (http://www.rovertracks.com/products/axles.html)

Roughly $720 without freight for axles and halfshafts

There is the option of fitting County CVs etc but I'd rather not go down that road

So can anyone offer any advice please or add to my list of options

Thanks

[Psimpson7]

Hi Jock,

Either Ashcroft or Rovertracks parts are both excellent, and are very unlikely to let you down. I run the Rovertracks axle and CV kit, but would run Ashcroft stuff happilly.

I personally dont see the point in running 'county' CV's.

Rgds
Pete

[RR46]

G,day

You could also have a look at the KAM fused CV kit. I am fitting mine this week along with KAM F & R lockers, KAM aerospace front axles and HT rear axles and drive flanges. (to Range Rover)

I was going to go with ashcroft CVs but liked that the KAM stuff has the fused half shaft (its easy and cheap to replace a half shaft rather than a CV or front axle) and they have a 5 year warranty against breakage running 35"s.:D

Can posts some pic of mine before I fit them if you like.

Cheers Gavin

[Chucaro]

I would go for Keith gear they are excellent products and very good service.

[taff]

there are a lot of options and all depending on who you talk to - you will be told at some point that they are all the best. speaking from experience if your not going to be doing anything too hardcore just go for the cheaper option between ashcroft, rovertracks and hytuff. if you are intending to do some hardcore stuff IMHO i'd stay away from the latter of the three.
i've not run rovertracks so can't offer an opinion on them but even though the ashcrofts are the most exy i can totally recomend them and they come with a 5yr guarentee (or at least they used to, but your better off double checking) on anything upto and including 35" tyres without having a fusible stub to break

[Psimpson7]

Hi-Tough, I believe don't produce a CV option.

I personally cannot see the point of a fuseable stub.... If I am attempting to make some dodgy climb, I want every last bit of mechanical strength to try and ensure I make it up!

The thought of a fuseable stub breaking and saving the CV itself is not a good one in my mind.....

As Taff says Both Ashcroft and RT offer excellent warranties. RT's I believe isn't tyre size limited although you would need to clarify that.

[Jock The Rock]

Thanks for all the info fellas

I'd be interested to here cal415s opinion (but his PM box is full atm) I think he previously fitted the Rovertracks option and he runs 37s

By the sounds of it all I may head the Rovertracks way, they are $400 cheaper and seem to be just as good

I only plan on running a 33in tyre

Also howmany of you have converted your CVs and bearings to run in your diff oil?

Thanks

[Slunnie]

I thought Hytuff didn't do CV's, so they may not be an option unless you're not breaking CV's or you want to convert to County CV's.

I'd only look at Ashcroft or Rovertracks, both of which I understand are made by the same company that produces the Longfields.

[Chucaro]

Also howmany of you have converted your CVs and bearings to run in your diff oil?

Thanks

Justin converted my Defe

[Psimpson7]

Hey Simon,

I believe now that Rovertracks use a different manufacturer.

Jock,

Grimace in our club runs 37" Stickies now on the RT setup and has run 37" tyres on them for years, without any trouble

Keith recommended that I ran oil in my swivels instead of grease when fitting them so I now do. (I still have the seal between the two however)

Rgds
Pete

[Slunnie]

Hey Simon,

I believe now that Rovertracks use a different manufacturer.

...
Rgds
Pete
Ahhh cool, thanks for that Pete. :(

[Jock The Rock]

Jock,

Grimace in our club runs 37" Stickies now on the RT setup and has run 37" tyres on them for years, without any trouble

Keith recommended that I ran oil in my swivels instead of grease when fitting them so I now do. (I still have the seal between the two however)

Rgds
Pete

Sounds good I'll get a set under way

I was told you just remove or damage the seal inside the stub axle next to the needle roller bearing. Is that what you did?

[RR46]

there are a lot of options and all depending on who you talk to - you will be told at some point that they are all the best. speaking from experience if your not going to be doing anything too hardcore just go for the cheaper option between ashcroft, rovertracks and hytuff. if you are intending to do some hardcore stuff IMHO i'd stay away from the latter of the three.
i've not run rovertracks so can't offer an opinion on them but even though the ashcrofts are the most exy i can totally recomend them and they come with a 5yr guarentee (or at least they used to, but your better off double checking) on anything upto and including 35" tyres without having a fusible stub to break

You dont have to have the fused shaft with the machined groove in it and I believe you can get the fused shaft with different braking points. Just a different option to ashcroft etc etc. I got sick of replacing CVs in my comp RR in winch challenges.

If your having a real go your going to break something sooner or later;), might as well be something that is cheap, quick and easy to fix. Just my veiw.

[Psimpson7]

I was told you just remove or damage the seal inside the stub axle next to the needle roller bearing. Is that what you did?

Sorry for the delay Jock,

No I put new seals in the new swivels when I fitted mine. I then just filled the diff and swivels seperately with new oil as required.

Rgds
Pete