like the title says I just want to know how you know if you broken axle shaft... I don't think I broke 1 I just personally would like to know how I would tell!! my buddy asked me and I have absolutely no idea how to tell him if he did or not!! thanks guys

 

depending on the axle you would lose the tire. Seeing as both the d35 and the 8.25 rear axle are c clip you would see the shaft and tire go out the side... not a fun experience from what i gather.

 

Whats your reasoning for thinking you broke a shaft? I think it would make some wicked sounds if it broke. I guess you could jack up you axle and put it on stands. spin the tire and see if the other one spins.

 

Rear will make a banging and popping sound and like stated wheel and remaining piece of the shaft will work it's way out of the housing. Rear disc will keep the wheel on but it will still bang around and ruin your brakes if you try and drive on it. Front, u-joints tend to break more often than shafts but often take the ears off the shaft in the process. That would be noticeable just by looking and would cause steering problems. Also front and rear tires wouldn't spin when you gas it.

 

It will be a hero or zero moment. You'll drop the hammer and hang on, most likely hear some bad noises and stop moving, swear for a few seconds, get out to observe and say holy **** that's broken. It's not really one of those "I wonder what broke" moments. Hopefully your not going very fast if its a rear that breaks cause your tire will be passing you. Been in this situation a couple too many times.

 

I want to find a Dana 44 so much more now...

 

It's great that the D44 is non C clip and won't walk out if a shaft breaks but, it's even better that a D44 has 31 spline shafts and they are pretty much bombproof!!

When a shaft breaks it makes and ear shattering CRACK/POP sound. When you've done it you will definitely know. Plus, you lose the power to that wheel. The one time I broke an axle shaft, when I lost all power to that wheel I knew for sure.

 

Ever see a Slim Jim commercial when they "SNAP IN TO IT" Well, that's the sound you'll hear when it happens. LOL!

 

this explination is..... poetic. it's a proud moment for most hardcore wheelers, and a very sad one for the weekend warriors who have to drive it to work on monday.

 

Yes D/44s are a good differentials, but the D/44 doesn't have 31 spline shafts. They have 30 spline shafts, and 33 spline aftermarket shafts are available.
Unfortunately the C/8.25 doesn't have a c-clip eliminator available yet, but I'm hoping that it will be available someday.