2011 Front Axle Redesign

[revrnd]

I see that the center section has been changed from a split design to a more conventional 1 piece casting. Would I be correct in saying this is the reason for the increased front axle capacity? The specs for my 2500HD say 4,400 GAWR & 1,144 Reserve Axle Capacity.

 

Does anyone know what the ratings for the 2010 2500HD?

[C/K Man]

I see that the center section has been changed from a split design to a more conventional 1 piece casting. Would I be correct in saying this is the reason for the increased front axle capacity? The specs for my 2500HD say 4,400 GAWR & 1,144 Reserve Axle Capacity.

 

Does anyone know what the ratings for the 2010 2500HD?

 

I believe the front axle capacity for the 2011 HD's is now 6000#'s, same as a Super Duty. It is not just the front diff. carrier that is different on the 2011 HD's, it is also the whole chassis and the front suspension.

[revrnd]

Yes, the frame & suspension have changed, but I was wondering if the axle redesign to a conventional casting rather than a split design would help increase the front carrying capacity.

[04JJHD]

They actuly have a diff cover if that answers your question. The center section looks kinda like a one out of a solid axle, but with cv axles coming off it

[revrnd]

They actuly have a diff cover if that answers your question. The center section looks kinda like a one out of a solid axle, but with cv axles coming off it

 

Yes, I know that. I was just wondering if going to that design from the split design (that GM has been using since the S trucks were introduced) contributed to the increase in the front axle capacity.

[newdude]

They actuly have a diff cover if that answers your question. The center section looks kinda like a one out of a solid axle, but with cv axles coming off it

 

Yes, I know that. I was just wondering if going to that design from the split design (that GM has been using since the S trucks were introduced) contributed to the increase in the front axle capacity.

 

 

 

Honestly, that could be a piece of the puzzle that did help boost the front rating. Alothough, I think that most of the increase came from the entire front end make over...new and larger control arms, 2 jounce bumpers, bigger torsion bars, larger CV shafts, and I think another biggie, the steering components, especially the box and related arms...oh and the boxed frame.

 

To sum it up: It is possible that the increase could have been helped by eliminating the old split case for a 1 piece case with front cover. In a sense, it is as if the axle is 1/2 solid axle (case and related components) with 1/2 ifs (cv shafts on each end).

[revrnd]

To sum it up: It is possible that the increase could have been helped by eliminating the old split case for a 1 piece case with front cover. In a sense, it is as if the axle is 1/2 solid axle (case and related components) with 1/2 ifs (cv shafts on each end).

 

 

That's what I was thinking. I've never really looked @ the axles that close, so I'm not reaaly sure where the stress of the pinion turning the ring gear would be transferred to the case.

 

Another thing to consider is rear axles over the years have either been a "banjo" (Ford 9"/large trucks) & "carrier"(Dana & GM for example) style. Has a split design rear axle ever been used in modern era vehicles? I'm saying that because the Model T had a 2 piece axle.

[chrisb1]

Do not forget the 2011 has much heavier spindles, hubs, wheel bearings, wheels than 2007 thru 2010. Entire front end including rotors, calipers and pads are

all upgraded.

[markw8]

To sum it up: It is possible that the increase could have been helped by eliminating the old split case for a 1 piece case with front cover. In a sense, it is as if the axle is 1/2 solid axle (case and related components) with 1/2 ifs (cv shafts on each end).

 

 

That's what I was thinking. I've never really looked @ the axles that close, so I'm not reaaly sure where the stress of the pinion turning the ring gear would be transferred to the case.

 

Another thing to consider is rear axles over the years have either been a "banjo" (Ford 9"/large trucks) & "carrier"(Dana & GM for example) style. Has a split design rear axle ever been used in modern era vehicles? I'm saying that because the Model T had a 2 piece axle.

 

 

The only use past the T was possibly in heavy duty trucks. Probibly nothing in the last 70 years in this country.

 

Mark

[topdj]

I looked on my door tag and it says 5200 front axle rating on my gas 6.0 is that true the website says different

http://www.gmc.com/2011sierra/2500HD/specsCapabilities.jsp

[newdude]

I looked on my door tag and it says 5200 front axle rating on my gas 6.0 is that true the website says different

http://www.gmc.com/2011sierra/2500HD/specsCapabilities.jsp

 

 

 

Does your truck have plow prep? If so, the front axle rating for a CCSB with 6.0 and plow prep is 5200lbs.

[BlackSilver]

Did it improve the turning radius? I need half a county more than my friends F350 Ford to turn in. Especially sucks when backing a trailer.

[topdj]

yes the plow prep so that's why

[newdude]

Did it improve the turning radius? I need half a county more than my friends F350 Ford to turn in. Especially sucks when backing a trailer.

 

 

2010 crew cab dually comes in at 54.6 feet, a 2011 crew cab dually comes in at 55.4 feet. Providing the F350 you mention is a crew cab, it should be around 56 feet.