Posted by Charlie on May 08, 2000 at 03:51:21:
In Reply to: Stock axle diameter midshaft is 1.25", NOT 1.3125"!!!/notxt posted by Charlie on May 08, 2000 at 03:43:38:
The breaking strength of a round shaft, ignoring heat treatment considerations, is proportional to the 4th power of the diameter, materials, length etc. being the same. So the reduction of the shaft from 1.375" to 1.25" reduces the strength about 31%. Of course they do that because the depth of the splined part is enough so the splined end is really only about 1.25". But fine splines, being shallower, would be like a 1.3125" (1-5/16") solid shaft. Even that would be a 23% strength increase.
Charlie