What is a Full Float axle

I know this may seem a little remedial to some of you, but what is a Full Float Axle? I have heard the term but have no clue. I did a search but what I got was way over my head. I know very little about axles, so if someone has the time, try to explain it like you are telling a second grade child. (I am trying to learn and this site has been very helpful, hope to learn alot more)

 

To make it simplified there are two basic types. Semi-float and full float. The semi-float has the weight of the vehicle supported by the axle shaft itself through the housing and axle bearings. The full float has a spindle on the housing that bearings ride on with a bearing hub riding on the outside of the bearings that the wheel bolts to. The axle shaft passes through the housing and the spindle and has either a flange or locking hub splined to the axle shaft or part of the shaft that bolts to the wheel hub to tranmsit rotational motion. The FF axle because it is is only transmitting rotational force and does not have the weight of the vehicle supported by the shaft is inherently stronger, which is why they are used in 3/4 ton and above trucks. The other advantage is a FF normally has 2 wheel bearings to distribute the load instead of one small axle bearing taking all the load. The front axle of your Jeep is an example of a full float axle, and if stock, the rear is an example of a Semi-float. Nickmil

 

So the semi-float supports the weight. Bolt the wheel to it and you could esentialy slide the wheel and axle shatf out to the housing tube together. The housing is just a protecting sleve for the axle shaft.

But with a full float, the wheel would bolt to a bearing that is on the housing, and the housing takes the weight. The axle shaft only spins the tire, not supports it. Therefore the shaft itself is just kinda "Floating" in the housing.

Do I have a basic understanding?

 

"The axle of your Jeep is an example of a full float axle, and if stock, the rear is an example of a Semi-float."

Sorry, but I can't make sense of this statement. Can you clarify it? What would a Willys D44 rear axle be?

 

I think he ment to say the front axle is a full floater . The standard D44 that came in the rear of a Jeep is a semi-floating axle.

 

Yep, you guys are correct! Early MB military jeeps had the FF type rear axle and can easily be identified by the larger hub. Lots of advantages, strength, and interchangability of bearings, hubs, etc with the front axle, which made it nice for the military in a combat situations. Doug

 

Yup, You've got it! Nickmil

 

Yup, that's what I meant. Thanks Glenn! That's what happens when I rush an answer during break time!
Nickmil