The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts What's the difference, banjo and split axles

Can someone explain the difference between the terms banjo and split-axles?.

Dale in Iowa,

I always thought the old Ford rear ends that had the bolt on axle tubes were called "banjo" rear ends. I don't think I have heard the term split-axle other than maybe a reference to a two-speed rear end.

Stuart

my understanding:
banjo axle assembly = a final drive assembly [differential pumpkin] that assembles into a housing [carrier] and is bolted into place

split axle is the standard modern design of separate shafts for each wheel run by a differential, allowing different rotational speeds around corners
most truck are banjo design where the entire pumpkin can be removed from the "banjo" axle houseing - most cars are not - both split style

Bill

These terms are used when researching parts (seals bearings) for the big 1940s Military GMC and Chevy trucks.

Dale;
Your Chevy has BANJO axles. BANJO axles were manufactured by GM, SPILT axles were manufactured by TIMKEN. The majority of CCKW's have SPLIT axles. DUKW's all had BANJO axles.The "split" term refers to the pumpkin section of the axle in which the 2 halves are bolted togather. With over 550,000 CCKW's made during the war, GM could not produce enough axles. The only intechangable parts I believe are the brake shoes for the rear axle. All Banjo parts are interchangleable between CHEVY and GMC trucks. However the front rear drive axle has differant lenght axle shafts from a Chevy axle because of the offset of the pumpkin, the rear drive axle shafts are the same as a Chevy. You may want to check out cckw.org. as this site is geared more towards your truck. I currently own a 1941 Chevy 1 1/2 ton cargo dump and I am just wrapping up a 2 year frame off restoration.

John Gott

John:

Thank you VERY much. I'm having one heck of a time finding the correct outer seals for both front and back wheel bearings (to keep the shoes from becoming satuarated). Why are their inner seals on these axles if the wheel bearing lubed from the differential?

Any leads to seals would be greatly appreciated.
VOV numbers are dead ends.

Dale

Dale;
VOV has an aftermarket part number for the inner seals, I believe it is either a NAPA or CR number, check his website under the PARTS section or CHEVY SPECIFICATIONS, Bob Muller is a very good person to deal with, his number is 518-872-1002. For the outer seals, contact Rex Ward DUKW parts, www.dukwparts.com. He is located in England.
The bearings are NOT lubed by gear oil, you will have some seepage of gear oil, but they are lubed with bearing grease, if your steering knuckles are full of muck (combo of gear oil and grease) then your inner seal in the axle tube needs attention.
Also I would suggest getting a TM (technical manual) for your truck, VOV has them for sale.

good luck

John Gott

John:

Can I contact you directly please?
Dale 319-895-0506
[email protected]