g1 rear axle shaft

[jpwiega]

Hi folks,

Picked up a lifted G1 with the two stroke swapped out for a Honda GX390. Took my daughter for a spin, took some garbage cans down to the curb with my lawn cart, and then tried it out on some hills around our place.

I rather quickly ended up with a broken driver's side axle. Reviewed the helpful threads documenting changing them out and looks pretty straight-forward, but I can't find any replacements for the life of me. I just need one, but wouldn't mind replacing both while I'm at it. I'd be grateful for any leads!

[rstacy]

They can be tough to find. That car is 40+ years old.

Take the axle out by removing the 4 retaining bolts.
Send me a picture and the length from the outside end of the hub to the end of the axle.
I may be able to help you out.

With that lift kit and engine you may want to start collecting axles...

[slonomo]

G1's are known for axle issues with big block engines. I have a transaxle, I'd sell the whole unit if you want.

I would upgrade to a G2/G9 transaxle, they are more robust and you'll get reverse. Just a thought. It's not a tough swap, although it doesn't just "bolt right in", it's close though. The engine will have to be moved to the side an inch or two since the driven clutch is offset more compared to the G1 transaxle.

[jpwiega]

Thanks both of you!

I removed both axles this morning and realized I'm wrong, the axles and bearings are fine, the problem must lie with the differential itself. It was clunky before it went out, but I figured the splines were just gone on an axle when it quit going.

At this point, I'm inclined to go with a G2/G9 swap to get reverse since I'm going to have to take out the diff now anyway.

slo, you just have the G1 transaxle set, right? Please let me know what it'd be (I'm in Escondido, CA), but, other than avoiding some fabrication perhaps, seems worth finding a G2/G9 at this point instead?

Any one have a G2 or G9 rear end?

[slonomo]

Originally Posted by jpwiega

Thanks both of you!

I removed both axles this morning and realized I'm wrong, the axles and bearings are fine, the problem must lie with the differential itself. It was clunky before it went out, but I figured the splines were just gone on an axle when it quit going.

At this point, I'm inclined to go with a G2/G9 swap to get reverse since I'm going to have to take out the diff now anyway.

slo, you just have the G1 transaxle set, right? Please let me know what it'd be (I'm in Escondido, CA), but, other than avoiding some fabrication perhaps, seems worth finding a G2/G9 at this point instead?

Any one have a G2 or G9 rear end?

Oh man Cali is a long way to ship a trans. It's big and heavy, very expensive to ship, and being that far away....prob out of the question. I have seen where people take them apart and ship them in smaller boxes, but still it's going to be pricy.

[jpwiega]

I hear you, I grew up on a farm in IL, that would've been easier :)

To be sure, you only have the G1 rear end, right? You don't have a G2 or G9 do you?

[slonomo]

Originally Posted by jpwiega

I hear you, I grew up on a farm in IL, that would've been easier :)

To be sure, you only have the G1 rear end, right? You don't have a G2 or G9 do you?

Correct G1. A G2/G9 will be more common, but still not easy to find. Most people covet them for using on big block swaps. I usually get them from buying whole carts that are not repairable. Most times I can part them out and almost pay for the transaxle. Just a thought. Around here, a non running G2/G9 cart with most parts intact and a rusted frame will go for $400-$700. If you can find a transaxle, expect to pay $400.

[jpwiega]

Right on, thanks slo. I'm going to keep a look out and posted a wanted on craigslist. If anyone has a G2/G9 rear end, please let me know.

[slonomo]

Good luck!

[jpwiega]

To be sure, G2 through G9 differentials are pretty much going to require the same work to use on a G1, correct?

In other words, a G8, G5, or G3 differential shouldn't produce any challenges I wouldn't experience with installing the G2 or G9?