Rear axle question

[Greg Reimer 7376]

While replacing the ring and pinion in the 12 bolt in my '68 Chevelle, it looks to me that the splined ends of both rear axles only engage about 1 inch or so into the spool. The splines are about 3" long with only the outer inch or so engaged. Is this OK or should I get a new set of axles about 1 1/2" longer? There is no sign of any twist and everything looks excellent in this rear end assembly, other than the ring and pinion. These axles are about five years or so old, and look good.I didn't build this rear end initially. Shouldn't they engage the spool deeper than an inch?

[SSDiv6]

Originally Posted by Greg Reimer 7376

While replacing the ring and pinion in the 12 bolt in my '68 Chevelle, it looks to me that the splined ends of both rear axles only engage about 1 inch or so into the spool. The splines are about 3" long with only the outer inch or so engaged. Is this OK or should I get a new set of axles about 1 1/2" longer? There is no sign of any twist and everything looks excellent in this rear end assembly, other than the ring and pinion. These axles are about five years or so old, and look good.I didn't build this rear end initially. Shouldn't they engage the spool deeper than an inch?

It should match or exceed the diameter of the axle.

[L.Fite]

A couple of (or three) thoughts...

1) I would think they should engage the full length of the splined area in the spool... How much spline is in the spool?

2) The other thing that occurs to me is the minimum would be at least the diameter of the axle...

3) If in doubt, call the manufacturer of the spool and axles.

[GTX JOHN]

The rule of thumb on fasteners is Thread engagement
should be the diameter of bolt.

However, I do not advise less than double that with
a spool. Unless of course, you like to knock down the
Tree like I did some years ago at Winternationals.