What axle material do you use? What makes your axles stronger than stock? Why induction hardening versus thru hardening? Why are your axles machined after heat treating? These are just a few of the questions we address every day at Dutchman.

Material

Most stock (OEM) axles are made from 1039 material and are induction (case) hardened, have a .150 case depth, and a hardness of 52-54 Rockwell "C" scale. We use (1) piece forgings made from 1541-H material, a case depth of .300-.350, and a hardness of 57-60 Rc. The result of these upgrades yields a "Stronger than Stock" street and strip alloy axle. The hard case and soft core design enable the shaft to bend, flex and spring back. Properly executed, both chrome-moly "thru hardened" and an upgraded "induction hardened" shaft can achieve the same results in strength in the critical areas of torsional strength and life cycles. The design of an induction hardened shaft usually yields more bending (life) cycles than a thru hardened shaft.

Manufacturing Methods

Most shafts warp and bow during heat treating. For this reason we machine all the critical areas (splines, bearing journal, flange face, and brake pilot) AFTER heat treat. The splines are machined to the correct pressure angle for the particular application, typically 30 or 45 degrees. Most manufacturing engineers will concur with this method of production. All axles are custom made to order with your choice of length, spline, and most popular bolt patterns. Features include a non tapered body and a ductile flange which allows for shortening and/or an additional bolt pattern now or later if needed.

Race Acceptance

Our Big Bearing (30 spline and larger) axles are NHRA & IHRA accepted . Dutchman alloy axles currently meet SFI aftermarket axle specifications.

Front Axles

Dana 44 & 60 inner & outer axle shafts are now available 2 ways. Your choice of Import or Domestic thru hardened "chrome-moly" (4340). Both choices have the yoke ears machined to accept full circle snap rings. Dana 44 inner shafts are custom made to order-any length to 36 1/4" & Dana 60 inner shaft lengths to 37" (Center of the U-Joint cap to the end of the spline).

Flanged Floater Axles

Custom and replacement flanged floater axles are forged from the same premium alloy as our flanged Street & Strip axle shafts. Applications include Dana 60/70 and 14 bolt Corporate full floater rear ends.

Double Splined & C.V. Shafts

Our custom double splined shafts are also made from new heat treated alloy stock. Most any configuration can be made. Fax or mail a drawing for a quote.

Shorten Your Axles

We can shorten most domestic & import axle shafts, front or rear. The axle shaft diameter must be large enough (at the point of the cut off) to be turned and resplined. Quanity discounts are available. Please keep in mind that you invest lots of blood, sweat, tears, and dollars in building your car or truck. You deserve a pair of new axles!

Industrial & Obsolete Axles

Our in-house complete machine shop can also make antique, industrial and obsolete axles; gears, spline shafts, and do custom internal splining & broaching.