Is there any need to get aftermarket axles right now if I just get some c-clip eliminators. Later on when I get some extra cash I will get the better axles. Also are they hard to install? Much welding involved?

 

there is no c clip eliminator for 7.5 rears that i know of. you can buy one for the other 10 bolt, 8.3 or whatever it is and all you have to do is transfer a hole or two and drill them.

 

That sucks! Anything I can do to keep axles from breaking besides just buying aftermarket ones. I know that the eliminators won't keep them from breaking but it will keep them from coming out.

Are there any beefed up c-clips that are stronger than stock?

 

The problem isn't just the C-clips, it's the whole axle...

If the little flange on the end of the axle that makes the groove for the C-clip breaks, the axle comes out. It the axle breaks where it usually does, right by the splines, it comes out. If the side gear breaks, the axle comes out. Lots of failure modes where the end result is, the axle comes out while driving down the road (or down the track at 100 whatever mph )

The C-clip eliminators eliminate all that, too. The only way for the axle to break such that the wheel comes off, is for the flange to break off the shaft... much rarer.

 

NHRA rules state that you need a positive axle retention device. They don't say how to do it. All you need is a way to keep the axle from coming out if the c-clip breaks off.

There are 3 ways to do it.
C-clip eliminators (none available for 7.5" diff)
A bolt in axle design like a Ford 9" or Dana 44.
Rear disk brakes

All 3 will keep the axle from coming out of the housing.

 

I'd so some searching, because Moser makes replacement C clip axles. but then again, you don't want to buy new axles...

Stephen, what you said about disk brakes as a retention device was a hot topic at my last SFI meeting. there are some that dispute that idea...

 

So is what your saying is that if I went ahead and got a set of moser axles that it is possible get the c-clip eliminators to work?

 

Stephen, I have an 86 Iroc with the rear disk brakes and a 10 bolt. I am glad to hear the disk brakes will prevent the axles from coming out.

Phil M. Did they make a decision one way or another at your SFI meeting?

 

Sorry, I misunderstood the post. So if I were to buy some moser replacement c-clip axles would I be legal?

 

There was a company that made an entire "c" clip eliminator system for the 3rd gen f bodies. It entailed removing the axles, cutting the axle tube on the outside end down about 1.5-2 inches and installing a bearing housing and retainer assembly where you cut it and included new axles. It looked like a lot of work ( Car Craft did a "how to" article on it). But in the end you'd be sure not to throw an axle.

 

I have almost every Car Craft since about 1994. Do you know which issue? I'd really like to know more about this.

 

Sorry, don't remember the issue but I think it was in the early 90's. You might be able to e mail peterson publishing and inquire about the article.

Now that I think of it I KNOW it was pre 93 because the 4th gens wern't out yet.

 

The NHRA rule is there so that the axle won't come out of the housing if the c-clips break. Aftermarket axles that still use C-clips still need something to hold the axles in.

A C-clip eliminator makes the axles similar to the way a Ford 9" holds the axles in. A retainer plate behind the bearing is bolted to the end of the housing (after being modified). If the c-clip breaks, the axles is still held in place.

Rear disk brakes do the same thing. A rotor fits over the end of the axle. A caliper and or caliper mount fit over the rotor. If the c-clip breaks, there's no way the axle can come out. If in doubt, pop the c-clips off the axle and try to pull the axle out without removing the caliper. It won't come out. That makes it an axle retention device.

An axle retention device is manditory on cars running quicker than 10.99 in the 1/4. At that ET aftermarket axles are also manditory.

 

Ok, sorry to confuse. The Moser axles are stonger, but still c clip axles. So they are still not legal in the 10's unless you have c-clip eliminators.

rulebook says "Aftermarket axles and axle retention device mandatory on an car running 10.99 or quicker..." The source of debate at the divisional meeting was that disc brakes are not really an aftermarket retention device. There was no decision either way, it was just a topic of discussion for the inspectors present. Most agreed with what Stephen says, the axle isn't coming out with a rotor and a caliper bracket, but some people take the rule book too literally...

 

If they take the rule book that literally then a 9" isn't legal since it's not aftermarket. It's an axle retention device by design from the factory so why wouldn't disk brakes also be?

 

I totally agree, but since the wording has aftermarket at the beginning, some take it to apply to the retention device. After all, c clips are a retention device themselves. I did not mean to cause a big stir, just saying there are tech people who get fussy over ridiculous things. I would pass a car with discs anyday.

 

My co-worker tried to certify his 92 Mustang for low 8's... and failed. He did not have C-clip eliminators on his car (8.8 rear). He thought the same thing - disc brakes. BUT, they must have the bracket the hangs over the rotor. That way the bracket holds the rotor in, and not the very weak caliper.

So, with disc brakes, it depends on the design.