Factory OEM axles vs. Ford Performance axles

[popo_patty]

I know, I know, they are the same right? So why the comparison?

Well because it was confusing to me at first so I wanted to make a thread to hopefully alleviate any confusion that others may have.

As far as tech specs these axles (I have the M210 shown here), are very similar. In fact, they are essentially the same. Or are they?

Spline count: same.
Metal: same.
Angle of operation: same.
Strength: same.

Where these bad boyz begin to differ is the attention to detail and price point.

The Ford Performance (FP) axles have a coating on them vs the OEM are bare. In the long run this should mean less prone to that ugly corrosion we see on all our stock axles.

The packaging on the FP is also way better with sealed bags and wadding. The OEM’s were just wrapped in paper for me.

Now the coating alone for me is a deal maker. Give me a coating any day. But it gets even better…

Ordering the OEM axles from Ford cost me over $700 out the door.
Ordering the FP was $460… that’s a huge cost savings for a better product with safer packaging for storage.

Note that the part numbers are different as well.

If anyone here has any info on why the FP is so much cheaper I’d love to be educated. Also, does anyone here have factual info on wether or now the metal is different? Thanks!

And then as an added bonus, check out my spare inner. I noticed the sealed packaging was rotting (after a year in a dry container) and it was browning. I pulled out the inner and saw rust coating it and the inner was frozen up. I managed to break it free but the damage has been done. It was internally corroding.

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[Bronco_joe]

I couldn't find this answer also. I purchased mine even cheaper when they offer discount codes.

 

[Heckler]

Was your spare inner ever used?

 

[popo_patty]

Was your spare inner ever used?

Nope, it was still sealed in its bag

 

[Heckler]

Yikes!

Nope, it was still sealed in its bag

 

[Mudlight]

Do they come with new axle nuts?

 

[Murph914]

According to another forum found here the oem units retain the original warranty, but the FRP units do not. I guess that could explain why they are less expensive, but I can see some dealers trying to squeeze a voided warranty due to "rough driving" or some sort of nonsense.

 

[popo_patty]

Do they come with new axle nuts?

Yup! FP’s did. Didn’t see any with the OEMs though

 

[Finbox]

They could be different under the boots that’s the weak point

 

[Markubis]

Why are they different lengths?

 

[Snacktime]

Why are they different lengths?

The drivers side is shorter.

 

[timhood]

Nope, it was still sealed in its bag

Well, that was money well spent!

 

[explorer4x4]

I bought the FP axles for a M210 upgrade from the M190. The FP drivers axle was too long. The stub that goes into the unit was almost 1/2 inch longer than the Ford unit. Not sure if it would cause issues or not as the splines still inserted. The outer seal protector plate wouldn’t do its job and part of the shaft would rust. But the seal should still seal. I bought a stock axle anyway to install.

 

[explorer4x4]

Also if you think your FP axle stub looks different. It’s bc I turned the lip off mine down with my lathe. I thought that’s what was preventing full insertion. Before I had the Ford axle of course. I tried resolving that issue with FP including another larger issue with my axle upgrade. I’ve heard nothing back so far. All I’m saying is compare the lengths of the drivers stub

 

[popo_patty]

I bought the FP axles for a M210 upgrade from the M190. The FP drivers axle was too long. The stub that goes into the unit was almost 1/2 inch longer than the Ford unit. Not sure if it would cause issues or not as the splines still inserted. The outer seal protector plate wouldn’t do its job and part of the shaft would rust. But the seal should still seal. I bought a stock axle anyway to install.

Yea the M210 axles are different then the M190. Not sure if FP makes a version for the 190 or not.

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