OE Axle Materials

[4xWriter]

I'm trying to pin down if there is an industry standard material for use in axle shafts for the OE manufacturers in drive axles of the Salisbury or Hotchkis (what few remain in the car and light truck realm) types. The old standby has always said that SAE 1040 was common, but other sources are listing SAE 1030 and SAE 1050/1055. Other sources even lists SAE 1541, which seems unlikely. Can any of you shed some light on this? Many thanks!

Jim

 

[PartsMike]

Most OE's are 1055 and 1541. There are some 300M axles being built. Strength is determined by size (larger diameter being stronger as there is no substitute for size)and involute spline angle 45 degree being stronger then 30 degree. The after market has created a need for high strength axles and the method of heat treating and splining technic are most important. Mark Williams axle manufacturing company does a great job of describing in detail this information.