Aftermarket Axles: Show your interest!

[RadMav]

Update as of 7/15/2024

CVJ - I've decided to send CVJ a set of Hybrid Maverick Axles instead of the FX4/AWD axles. I need a VIN from a Hybrid owner that has had an axle fail already before I can do this. Long story, but it won't cost you anything.

Gator - Gator will be getting the AWD/FX4 Axles from me and it sounds like they'll be about the same price as CVJ once it's all completed. It'll be interesting to see these two companies do their research and to see their findings.


Update(s) as of 7/15/2024

CVJ - I will be paying out of pocket to purchase a set of FX4 front axles to send to CVJ for them to use for R&D. Once the axle set is recieved, they will be pinpointing the failure points and modifying as necessary. Once complete, they will offer this as a service to anyone else. If someone is willing to pay for a set of Hybrid Axles to send to them for R&D, please contact me via DM.

Gator - Similar setup as CVJ, but I'll be paying out of pocket for a pair of FX4 axles to send to Gator for R&D. Once the axle set is received, they will be pinpointing the failure points and modifying as necessary. Once complete, Gator will order a few sets to keep in-stock and you can just purchase the modified set directly. If there is enough interest and sales over time, Gator will then move to create new custom axles for sale. This will only happen if sales can support the costs involved for tooling and R&D into a custom set.



By now, we all know that the Ford Maverick has a weak point in the OEM Axles. While many of us have had our axles replaced under warranty, there are still even more that have had to pay out of pocket. As more and more of us drive past our OEM powertrain warranty, this is becoming more of a concern to many owners. Ford has not updated the design which leads to the high possibility that the replacement axles will fail again. With no aftermarket options, all we can do as owners is fork out the cash to replace the axles every time they break.

The main issue seems to be the outer boots popping off and flinging out all of the grease, which in-turn roasts the axel. Please reply if you have personally experienced any other issues with your axles outside of that. Please do not reply with "I read somewhere" or "I heard from a friend". We all know that information can get mixed up when it's being recommunicated, so please only respond with personal experience.

Mt 2022 XLT FX4 is once again at the dealership for a toasted axel, and I'm over it, so I'd like to take on the responsibility of soliciting owners and manufactures about aftermarket options. I have more than a decade's experience with working with aftermarket performance manufactures so I'm confident I can get some actual answers to the right questions. I've reached out to three different companies in an effort to create good/better/best options and here is what my work has yielded thus far.

(Images are just examples from the corresponding company)


GOOD
CVJ Axles

What they would offer

Purchase a set of new OEM Ford Axles and dropship them directly to CVJ Axles in Denver, CO. They would take those OEM Axles and modify them to correct the failure points once those points were identified in their R&D. Machining a deeper groove for the outer boots, replacing the boots with a longer one, ect. It would all depend on what they deem to be necessary for the Maverick.

What they would need to start

CVJ would just require one pair of new OEM axles to use for R&D. This testing phase would take about a month to complete and once they have finalized their solution, this axel service would be available to everyone with a reasonable 1-week turnaround time from the time they receive the new OEM axles.

Benefits of this option

• Most likely the most cost-effective solution. After the initial purchase of the axels, this service/upgrade/modification would be projected to cost somewhere in the range of $300-$800 for the pair including shipping.
• The quality of the remainder of the axle would be OEM quality, and not cheap chinese replacements from an auto parts store.
• Lowest cost and effort for production

Price
~$300 - $800 on top of the cost of new OEM Axles which can be found at Ford Parts sellers online for about $120 per side. All in, the cost for this option would range between $540 to $1040. I might just go ahead and order a pair and send them a set to get started with.


Better

Gator Racing Axles

What they would offer

Gator would offer a rebuild/upgrade performance modified set of OEM Axels. If sales hold over time, Gator would then produce a whole new axle from the ground up.

What they would need to start

Needs a set (Or one of each version) to start with to see where the weak points are. R&D would be about 90 days. Once the R&D Is complete, Axels would be available for purchase on their site.

Benefits of this option

• Proprietary racing grease that will hold even with a torn boot*.
• 6-Month Warranty - Extended to 1 year if there's not too many problems

Price
+-$600


BEST
RCV Axles

What they would offer

100% custom built high-performance CV Axles specifically designed for the Ford Maverick made from 4340 Chromoly Steel.

What they would need to start

In order for them to move forward with creating axles for the Maverick, RCV would need to see some interest in the form of 30 pre-orders. Once that benchmark was met, RCV would need a Maverick in their area that they could use for a portion of their R&D which is located in San Luis Obispo, California. R&D would take approximately 6 months from beginning to production ready.

Benefits of this option

• LIFETIME WARRANTY*. This does not include boots that have been neglected for an extended period.
• Boots are replaceable
• The entire axle is serviceable
• Years of tested designs with their Bronco and Ranger applications as well as many others
• Stronger than OEM
• Custom applications available for those that may want to run extended arms, or have extreme off-road or racing needs.
• The orange boots just look cool are are very fitting for the Maverick lol.

Price
~$2,300 - This is very much on the high-end of pricing for any axle, but it seems to be worth it after reading several reviews from RCV Axle owners. This price could also come down substantially if there is high interest. This ballpark price was given with the idea that it would be approximately the same number of buyers as their toyota applications. The lowest price axles they have run around $800 for the pair, but those are for high-demand Jeep applications. I don't think Mavericks will ever get close to Jeep numbers for sales, but perhaps we could get enough to get the price down in the future.

Please reply if you are interested, and which option you are interested in. Please also include if you are a Hybrid or EB, FWD or AWD. I will create lists under each option to gauge which option has the most support, and from that point, I can move forward with coordinating with that particular manufacturer.

Hopefully, we can all have an option that works for us that won't leave us stranded 327 miles away from home with a sick dog in the truck with us in the middle of nowhere while on a road trip to see family.... (I promise I'm not bitter at all... fet up is more like it).



Expressed Interest:

1. RadMav - 22 FX4 - CVJ or Gator
2. CaptainCoffee - 23 Tremor - Any
3. Strikingracerx - Any
4. Jamie O'Neil - CVJ
5. Dale Lewis - CVJ
6. Tyler Cohen - Any
7. Dignam - CVJ

Sponsored

 

[CurtisB]

RadMav
Thank you for researching this. It is a shame that again, we Maverick owners have to source out better quality parts to get our trucks to a place of long miles and low maintenance. So that I am clear, you have stated,

"After the initial purchase of the axels, this service/upgrade/modification would be projected to cost somewhere in the range of $300-$800 for the pair including shipping."

Is this above the initial cost of us purchasing OEM axels from CVJ Axles and then tack on another $300-$800 dollars?

Thank you for doing this research!

 

[PNWMaverick]

RadMav
Thank you for researching this. It is a shame that again, we Maverick owners have to source out better quality parts to get our trucks to a place of long miles and low maintenance. So that I am clear, you have stated,

"After the initial purchase of the axels, this service/upgrade/modification would be projected to cost somewhere in the range of $300-$800 for the pair including shipping."

Is this above the initial cost of us purchasing OEM axels from CVJ Axles and then tack on another $300-$800 dollars?

Thank you for doing this research!

Based off of how it was written, it is a cost on top of the OEM axels. Ford wants about $600 for a set, so just add another $300-$800 to that.

PLUS!

Installation.

On the upper end of things you would be looking at upwards of $2,000 done and out the door.

$600+$800+ 4 - 6 hours of shop time (~$150hr).

 

[Tom 71 Maverick 24]

Have we heard anything definitive about whether the Tremor front axle shafts are stronger, and compatible with the regular drive train? I think that would be a viable option if it were true, but nothing appears to be certain as of yet.

 

[zacatac]

My hybrid mav is currently in the shop waiting for axles so they can replace both sides.

The d/s has no sign of grease leaking or issues with the boots but it has enough play you can feel it just by pulling on the axle itself. The P/S has a small amount of grease leaking from the inner boot on the small clamp side and noticeable play as well.

I WON'T be paying for aftermarket axles + installation to fix an under spec Ford part. I will likely be trading in my maverick on a Ridgeline once the repair is completed.

 

[TwoTone]

My hybrid mav is currently in the shop waiting for axles so they can replace both sides.

The d/s has no sign of grease leaking or issues with the boots but it has enough play you can feel it just by pulling on the axle itself. The P/S has a small amount of grease leaking from the inner boot on the small clamp side and noticeable play as well.

I WON'T be paying for aftermarket axles + installation to fix an under spec Ford part. I will likely be trading in my maverick on a Ridgeline once the repair is completed.

LOL might want to spend some time on Ridline forums. I had one for an overnight test drive and was seriously considering one until I researched them.

 

[RadMav]

RadMav
Thank you for researching this. It is a shame that again, we Maverick owners have to source out better quality parts to get our trucks to a place of long miles and low maintenance. So that I am clear, you have stated,

"After the initial purchase of the axels, this service/upgrade/modification would be projected to cost somewhere in the range of $300-$800 for the pair including shipping."

Is this above the initial cost of us purchasing OEM axels from CVJ Axles and then tack on another $300-$800 dollars?

Thank you for doing this research!

Correct. Thankfully, the OEM Axles are not that expensive if you shop around.

 

[RadMav]

Based off of how it was written, it is a cost on top of the OEM axels. Ford wants about $600 for a set, so just add another $300-$800 to that.

PLUS!

Installation.

On the upper end of things you would be looking at upwards of $2,000 done and out the door.

$600+$800+ 4 - 6 hours of shop time (~$150hr).

You can find them cheaper online from Tasca Ford PArts or Lakeland. They're closer to $120 per side.

 

[RadMav]

Have we heard anything definitive about whether the Tremor front axle shafts are stronger, and compatible with the regular drive train? I think that would be a viable option if it were true, but nothing appears to be certain as of yet.

It is my understanding that Tremor axles are no different than the FX4 axles. Same part numbers.

 

[Robber's Roost]

By now, we all know that the Ford Maverick has a weak point in the OEM Axles. While many of us have had our axles replaced under warranty, there are still even more that have had to pay out of pocket. As more and more of us drive past our OEM powertrain warranty, this is becoming more of a concern to many owners. Ford has not updated the design which leads to the high possibility that the replacement axles will fail again. With no aftermarket options, all we can do as owners is fork out the cash to replace the axles every time they break.

Sorry to hear of your troubles. Just to be clear though, I presume this problem primarily affects those with lifted suspensions? I wasn't aware of a high CV failure rate on stock EB AWD trucks or am I missing something?

 

[RadMav]

Sorry to hear of your troubles. Just to be clear though, I presume this problem primarily affects those with lifted suspensions? I wasn't aware of a high CV failure rate on stock EB AWD trucks or am I missing something?

This has been an issue for all Mavericks regardless of two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, hybrid or ecoboost. It really doesn't even matter if it's lifted or lowered, there are plenty with stock axles that have had theirs fail.

 

[Tom 71 Maverick 24]

It is my understanding that Tremor axles are no different than the FX4 axles. Same part numbers.

I did a quick ford parts search - seems you might be right. Although they do list a separate part for part time vs full time. Well, same part but one ends with an A, one with a B.

 

[Tom 71 Maverick 24]

This has been an issue for all Mavericks regardless of two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, hybrid or ecoboost. It really doesn't even matter if it's lifted or lowered, there are plenty with stock axles that have had theirs fail.

I think that lifting increases the probability of having CV joint issues, perhaps.

On another thread, someone pointed out discussions here where he cited some 12 or so threads showing axle/CV issues. Roughly half were lifted and half were not. But there are a heck of a lot more non-lifted Mavericks out there than lifted ones.

 

[RadMav]

Based off of how it was written, it is a cost on top of the OEM axels. Ford wants about $600 for a set, so just add another $300-$800 to that.

PLUS!

Installation.

On the upper end of things you would be looking at upwards of $2,000 done and out the door.

$600+$800+ 4 - 6 hours of shop time (~$150hr).

OEM Axles at a cheaper price than you quoted: (These are for an FX4. May fit others, please order using your VIN, not these links)

https://www.tascaparts.com/oem-parts/ford-axle-assembly-nz6z3b437a

https://www.tascaparts.com/oem-parts/ford-axle-assembly-nz6z3b436b

 

[CaptainCoffee]

By now, we all know that the Ford Maverick has a weak point in the OEM Axles. While many of us have had our axles replaced under warranty, there are still even more that have had to pay out of pocket. As more and more of us drive past our OEM powertrain warranty, this is becoming more of a concern to many owners. Ford has not updated the design which leads to the high possibility that the replacement axles will fail again. With no aftermarket options, all we can do as owners is fork out the cash to replace the axles every time they break.

The main issue seems to be the outer boots popping off and flinging out all of the grease, which in-turn roasts the axel. Please reply if you have personally experienced any other issues with your axles outside of that. Please do not reply with "I read somewhere" or "I heard from a friend". We all know that information can get mixed up when it's being recommunicated, so please only respond with personal experience.

Mt 2022 XLT FX4 is once again at the dealership for a toasted axel, and I'm over it, so I'd like to take on the responsibility of soliciting owners and manufactures about aftermarket options. I have more than a decade's experience with working with aftermarket performance manufactures so I'm confident I can get some actual answers to the right questions. I've reached out to three different companies in an effort to create good/better/best options and here is what my work has yielded thus far.

(Images are just examples from the corresponding company)


GOOD
CVJ Axles

What they would offer

Purchase a set of new OEM Ford Axles and dropship them directly to CVJ Axles in Denver, CO. They would take those OEM Axles and modify them to correct the failure points once those points were identified in their R&D. Machining a deeper groove for the outer boots, replacing the boots with a longer one, ect. It would all depend on what they deem to be necessary for the Maverick.

What they would need to start

CVJ would just require one pair of new OEM axles to use for R&D. This testing phase would take about a month to complete and once they have finalized their solution, this axel service would be available to everyone with a reasonable 1-week turnaround time from the time they receive the new OEM axles.

Benefits of this option

• Most likely the most cost-effective solution. After the initial purchase of the axels, this service/upgrade/modification would be projected to cost somewhere in the range of $300-$800 for the pair including shipping.
• The quality of the remainder of the axle would be OEM quality, and not cheap chinese replacements from an auto parts store.
• Lowest cost and effort for production

Price
~$300 - $800 on top of the cost of new OEM Axles which can be found at Ford Parts sellers online for about $120 per side. All in, the cost for this option would range between $540 to $1040. I might just go ahead and order a pair and send them a set to get started with.


Better

Gator Racing Axles

What they would offer

Replacement performance built axles. They do not have a listed phone number to speak with anyone so communication via email has been slow.

What they would need to start

TBD

Benefits of this option

TBD

Price
~$800 - $1000


BEST
RCV Axles

What they would offer

100% custom built high-performance CV Axles specifically designed for the Ford Maverick made from 4340 Chromoly Steel.

What they would need to start

In order for them to move forward with creating axles for the Maverick, RCV would need to see some interest in the form of 30 pre-orders. Once that benchmark was met, RCV would need a Maverick in their area that they could use for a portion of their R&D which is located in San Luis Obispo, California. R&D would take approximately 6 months from beginning to production ready.

Benefits of this option

• LIFETIME WARRANTY*. This does not include boots that have been neglected for an extended period.
• Boots are replaceable
• The entire axle is serviceable
• Years of tested designs with their Bronco and Ranger applications as well as many others
• Stronger than OEM
• Custom applications available for those that may want to run extended arms, or have extreme off-road or racing needs.
• The orange boots just look cool are are very fitting for the Maverick lol.

Price
~$2,300 - This is very much on the high-end of pricing for any axle, but it seems to be worth it after reading several reviews from RCV Axle owners. This price could also come down substantially if there is high interest. This ballpark price was given with the idea that it would be approximately the same number of buyers as their toyota applications. The lowest price axles they have run around $800 for the pair, but those are for high-demand Jeep applications. I don't think Mavericks will ever get close to Jeep numbers for sales, but perhaps we could get enough to get the price down in the future.

Please reply if you are interested, and which option you are interested in. Please also include if you are a Hybrid or EB, FWD or AWD. I will create lists under each option to gauge which option has the most support, and from that point, I can move forward with coordinating with that particular manufacturer.

Hopefully, we can all have an option that works for us that won't leave us stranded 327 miles away from home with a sick dog in the truck with us in the middle of nowhere while on a road trip to see family.... (I promise I'm not bitter at all... fet up is more like it).

23 tremor I would be interested in any of the 3

Sponsored