Axle Ordering Info

The following steps have proven to be the most accurate method for determining the width of the rear end assembly when building axles or a new rear end in a project.

The following form is required to go along with any axle order and can be submitted by user or by our staff. 

1)Obtain a set of the widest tires and wheels (with appropriate offset) to be used.
2)Remove the stock rear end housing and make modifications to inner fender wells as required.
3)Position the tires/wheels under the car, and through the use of jack stands, etc. place the car in the desired running attitude.
4)With wheels in position, measure from wheel mounting surface to the opposite wheel mounting surface. This will give you the proper axle flange to axle flange dimension (D). Allow for brake hats or drums.
5)Also supply the (E & F) distance or indicate if the pinion is centered or the amount of pinion offset required and the direction. Offset toward the passenger side is normal and toward the driver side is abnormal.

Measuring an Existing Housing - Measure the distance to the outside of both housing flanges (A). Not all pinions are centered, so it is also essential to measure the distance from the housing flange to the center of the pinion on both driver and passenger side (B & C).

Measuring Existing Axles - Provide as many measurements as possible. Use of a MW 35 or 40 spline spool will change axle lengths in relation to axles with stock splines. A Mark Williams salesman can help with questions about changes in axle lengths.

Spools -Not all spools are manufactured the same. If the spool to be used is a MW spool, the part number on the spool will give us the required information. If the spool is from another manufacturer, please check the spline count and location of the spline as measured in the illustration above (N & O values).

Bolt Circle -If you do not know the bolt circle (P value) of a 5-bolt application, measure the center-to-center distance (Q) between two adjacent wheel studs and reference the table below.

5x4.5” Bolt Circle. = 2.645” normal later Ford pattern
5x4.75” Bolt Circle = 2.792” normal Chevrolet pattern
5x5” Bolt Circle = 2.939” normal older Olds-Pontiac
5x5.5” Bolt circle = 3.233” normal early Ford and T/F wheel pattern

Note: other bolt patterns available on request. Non lightened axles can be built with dual bolt patterns at no extra charge.

 

Things You Should Know

What happens after I order my axles? 

Within two days of placing your order you will receive an e-mail confirmation form that shows exactly what is being manufactured for approval. If there are any questions or discrepancies, please contact the MW sales department immediately. If you did not work with a sales representative, please fill out the axle order form so we can create a blueprint for your axles for approval. Click Here to find this form. Forms should be emailed to your representative directly or to sales@markwilliams.com

What material should I order? 

Mark Williams offers three different grades of axles. Masterline, 4340 Hi Torque, and 300M.

Masterline: this is our most economical axle designed for lower horsepower street / strip applications. This axle still holds all of the same high precision machining and finish characteristics but uses induction hardening and is not post processed in the same manner as our other axles, nor is it offered with a gun drill option.

4340 Hi-Torque: This high strength axle is incredibly strong made of a US Made 4340 alloy. These axles like all of our axles feature a true involute spline, Mark Williams proprietary machining and post processing, and features true thru harden austemper heat treat. These axles are available 28 to 40 spline in flange or floater axles with optional gun drill on certain spline sizes. 

Ultimate 300M: This is our highest strength axle and the industry benchmark of quality and strength. Mark Williams proprietary 300M material is the highest quality available and made specially for Mark Williams in large material batches. These axles can be found on the highest horsepower promods on the planet and have a reputation for being the strongest on the market. These under go post processing and in house true thru hardening austemper heat treat. Available in floater and flanged axle variants. These axles are offered with flange lightening and gundrilling.

What size axle spline should I order? 

Remember that any spline axle will cost the same amount, so order the largest spline count you possibly can. We do not make a spool smaller than 35 splines, so if you intend to use a spool your axles will need to be 35 splines or larger. As a rule of thumb 35 splines should not be used on anything faster than 8 seconds. 40 splines are required on all pro-stock / pro mod cars and should be used anywhere possible with high horsepower cars.

How long will my axles take? 

Normal lead time is two weeks, although that may vary. For those racers who are in a hurry, Mark Williams Enterprises offers priority service for a nominal extra charge. Axles purchased under these terms are guaranteed to ship within 5 WORKING DAYS for an additional charge of $100.00

What bolt pattern should I order?

 While the 4-3/4" bolt circle offers the largest selection of wheels, the larger the diameter of the pattern, the stronger the wheel will be. Try to use the largest pattern available.

What stud size should I use? 

Mark Williams Enterprises always recommends the use of 5/8" studs unless you have a specific application that requires 1/2" studs.