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Fire Damage

Fire Damage

Fire Damage

(OP)
A question for those of you who understand the consequences of steel and heat treated steel being exposed to fire. Starting on a new winter project of turning my old 2wd tow rig into a 4wd. The attached link is a direct fit for my truck, but I am concerned about the axles exposure to fire. Specially the heat treated parts such as the axle shafts, ring and pinion, and bearings. I am not overly worried about it, however, I would like a professional opinion in this area. Thanks in advance. Regards.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/99-00-F450-4x4-Front-Axle-...

RE: Fire Damage

Since you have no way of knowing how hot the fire was or how long it was exposed you really have no easy way of knowing.

Ford axles are hardly rare. I'd pass on that one and find one that hasn't been cooked.

RE: Fire Damage

(OP)
That's just the thing, front 4x4 axles for the F-450 F-550 are rare, because they have a unique gear ratio and entirely different bolt pattern. But I get what your saying. I will most likely pass and keep looking.

RE: Fire Damage

The complete assembly looks like it needs a major o/haul. The fire side doesn't look to be of much concern doesn't appear to have had the intensity to damage axles etc.. Looking at the pics, seems that the only components not requiring replacement are the housing, crown wheel looks ok - assume pinion is also ok. hubs and studs, would expect the axles to be OK. Think you should consider new bearings throughout, universal joints, brake discs and calipers, ball joints, seals etc.

At the end of it all, seems as though you are only buying a housing, axles, crown wheel - pinion and hubs.

It is a capital mistake to theorise before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts. (Sherlock Holmes - A Scandal in Bohemia.)

RE: Fire Damage

If it was the only one in the world I'd strip it down and get the hardness of the gears measured.

Since it isn't then if the oil is still present I'd take a punt and say it hasn't got hot enough to ruin the hardening, but frankly a thousand bucks seems like a lot for this.

Cheers

Greg Locock


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RE: Fire Damage

(OP)
I didn't think it got hard enough either in my opinion. You can see the left lock out, which is plastic, is only charred. Not melted. As for the price, lol, honestly, 4x4 stuff, outside of work is my forte, and let me tell ya. 1000 bucks for this axle, which is hard to find, and being a Dana 60 is right on the money. IF... IF it had not been in a fire. I buy it for it between 600-800 in this state.

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