Which axle is stronger??

I am currently running the original D25 front axle with the Bendix joint. Although very strong, it goes clicky clicky, clicky when I turn and I believe all the shims are out (no more adjusting).

I have available to me a D27 axle shaft that I can throw right in. This has the Spicer u-joint and doesn't go clicky, clicky.

Just wondering which is the stronger of the two. I know that if I break a u-joint with the D27 on the trail, it's an easy fix. But if I snap the Bendix with the D25, I'm pretty much screwed.

I know that the u-joint is the first point of failure, but that's a good thing instead of breaking off the ear of the Bendix.

Your thoughts????

 

Go with the 27 axle. It's much easier to deal with and stronger. Commonly considered an upgrade to the older Bendix and Rzeppa joints.
U-joints are readily available as they wear also. Nickmil.

 

You can also run without knuckle pudding (IMO). No more leaking.

I know, I know - someone is going to say that you need the pudding for the kingpins. I'm of the opinion that the top kingpin bearing never gets lubed, and it's fine, so the bottom will be too. Of course, your mileage may vary...

 

After packing the top bearing doesn't it get additional lubrications from the knuckle pudding while in 4wd?

 

Actually you're not even suppose to pack the bearings, the knuckle pudding or 140 wt oil was suppose to lube all of it. I never packed the bearings in my dana 27, always locked my hubs once every week or so and drove a few miles to lube the top bearings. I finally got a dana 30 to avoid all of this.

 

Are there any drawbacks with packing the top bearing?

Edit: I agree with not packing the bottom bearing.

 

None that I know of.

 

As the President of the Broken Bendix axle club, I will welcome you with open arms if you keep the axle and not install two D27 shafts. Do it! I trashed a Bendix while on the trail and it took out the spindle, wheelbearings , not to mention the axle itself (broke into four pieces) and that was with a Fhead and a locker. Axle broke in the spindle causing it to swell the spindle, and axle paddles broke too.

 

I agree with all that is being said. However, aren't the Rzeppa axles actually the primo joints to have? I am only guess, but from the standpoint of smooth operation and strength, I always figured that the 6 ball design gave smoother operation and just the configuration / design appears more robust? Anyone know the facts? Bendix, vs. Spicer, vs. Rzeppa? From a service standpoint I realize they are a problem.

 

Weakest to strongest:
Bendix, Spicer, Rzeppa. The drawback to the Rzeppa being the ability to rebuild, when they fail, from my understanding they fail big time.

 

I don't understand a single thing in this thread.

I wonder what axle I have?

Dondo

 

from my experience, having blown both the Bendix and the Rzeppa type,
the Spicer type is the strongest; haven't blown one of those yet !
of course, maybe I'm wiser (and drive differently) now that I'm older
Drew: do yourself a favor and use the Spicer type shafts, you won't be sorry !
pics for those that haven't seen the 2 styles:

 

I swapped the Rzeppa for Spicer type shafts on the 52 truck