Aftermarket Axles: Show your interest!

[vwarnick]

I have a 2024 Hybrid XLT and have NO intention of abandoning the truck. I typically keep my vehicles for 10+ years so I would love to have a long-term solution for this issue. Barring a Ford provided solution, I'm interested in this effort and would likely consider pre-ordering depending on final cost. Any chance of a complete solution as opposed to having to buy axels from Ford and then having to have them modified?

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[dearbulls]

Only if Ford pays for it.
As an end user, we are not responsible for any crappy design Ford had. They should be responsible for them

 

[dearbulls]

Has anyone had the time to check for OEM upgrades? We already have the Volvo brake mods. All we need is a axle with the smae splines and diameters and just a touch more length. It worked for the AMC Eagles and GM S10 or FWD 80s Caddy shafts. Many other vehicles have have found upgrades like that, often in their own parts bin.

Anyone measure Corsair shafts? Focus RS? Edge ST? Taurus SHO?

What is the Volvo brake thing? Any issue with Maverick brakes?

 

[Strikingracerx]

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).



Expressed Interest:

1. RadMav - 22 FX4 - Any
2. CaptainCoffee - 23 Tremor - Any

Yeah, I find myself very interested. I’ve been in San Diego now working with my belong travel Maverick for a while trying to find axle company they’re willing to put some time in to build some axles at the last I’ve been through two sets and I’m burnt so I’ll be happy to spend two $3000 on some reliable axle so I’m in Thanks Tom

 

[rev21jon]

Hello @Ford Motor Company. I have a 2022 FX4. And I just went in a second time for replacements. The CV axles are used trash at best. First time @ 34K Second time just last week @ 56K. At this rate I will need to continually buy warrantee extensions and, in the end, just get rid of it when there are not more extensions to be bought. Also, the last update to the Ford Pass App has made the App terrible so far in my opinion. Lost features and super glitchy. The messaging portion "Vehicle Access Request" doesn't even work. It won't even allow you to approve or deny, the information is cut off and you can't scroll down to view the rest. My wife can't even get access because of this.

 

[sprcoop]

Hello @Ford Motor Company. I have a 2022 FX4. And I just went in a second time for replacements. The CV axles are used trash at best. First time @ 34K Second time just last week @ 56K. At this rate I will need to continually buy warrantee extensions and, in the end, just get rid of it when there are not more extensions to be bought. Also, the last update to the Ford Pass App has made the App terrible so far in my opinion. Lost features and super glitchy. The messaging portion "Vehicle Access Request" doesn't even work. It won't even allow you to approve or deny, the information is cut off and you can't scroll down to view the rest. My wife can't even get access because of this.

If you have the font on your phone set larger for viewing without glasses try making it smaller to see if that fixes it. Some apps respond better to enlarged fonts than others.

 

[Maverickman74]

What is the Volvo brake thing? Any issue with Maverick brakes?

Deuces is putting Volvo 4 piston calipers on his Maverick. The mod requires a bit of work, but it does actually work. I think he is still dialing it in on his thread.

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...xploration-and-performance-build/#post-811460

Even small upgrades can just make a vehicle that much better in the end when combined.

 

[dearbulls]

Deuces is putting Volvo 4 piston calipers on his Maverick. The mod requires a bit of work, but it does actually work. I think he is still dialing it in on his thread.

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...xploration-and-performance-build/#post-811460

Even small upgrades can just make a vehicle that much better in the end when combined.

I don't see my Maverick is lacking braking power anywhere. The brakes, suspension, chassis are all designed to work together from factory.
It's hard to simply upgrading a brake but not strengthening the chassis. That's only introducing issues later.
Been doing car modifications and I know a thing or 2. So I'm not doing anything crazy with the already pretty weak Mavs. We need to remember it's the cheapest truck on market, so Ford has to cheap out somewhere,

 

[Dignam]

I'd be interested in the CVJ option.

'23 XLT FX4

 

[Maverickman74]

I don't see my Maverick is lacking braking power anywhere. The brakes, suspension, chassis are all designed to work together from factory.
It's hard to simply upgrading a brake but not strengthening the chassis. That's only introducing issues later.
Been doing car modifications and I know a thing or 2. So I'm not doing anything crazy with the already pretty weak Mavs. We need to remember it's the cheapest truck on market, so Ford has to cheap out somewhere,

It worked for drag racers in the 60s and 70s, so it works for me. Ain't no better wheelstanders out there than Gremlins and Pintos.

 

[Maverickman74]

I don't see my Maverick is lacking braking power anywhere. The brakes, suspension, chassis are all designed to work together from factory.
It's hard to simply upgrading a brake but not strengthening the chassis. That's only introducing issues later.
Been doing car modifications and I know a thing or 2. So I'm not doing anything crazy with the already pretty weak Mavs. We need to remember it's the cheapest truck on market, so Ford has to cheap out somewhere,

Also all they guys in the towing threads say you can't tow 2000lbs in a Maverick without trailer brakes, so there is a need there lol!

 

[Orrin.kelso]

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).



Expressed Interest:

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

I am a bit shocked that this is even a problem! CV joints have been around for a long time and I can't believe that Ford or the supplier cannot produce a reliable axle. I have owned many front wheel drive cars and have rebuild or changed CV joints many times, but that was over 20 years ago with three VW's and one Nissan going back into the 70's. I the last 17 years I have owned 2 Toyota's and one Honda and never had any issue with CV joints. Both Toyota's had over 110,000 miles on them and the Honda has almost 70,000. The Camry is now owned by my daughter and is near 150,000 miles with no axle problems. I just don't understand why Ford is having a problem!

 

[LSchicago]

I have GT350 half shafts in my 2018 GT. They are holding 1,000 HP, and cost me $355 for the pair from Ford. Ford can do better. So far my half shafts are holding fine at 20K miles in my hybrid.

 

[dearbulls]

I am a bit shocked that this is even a problem! CV joints have been around for a long time and I can't believe that Ford or the supplier cannot produce a reliable axle. I have owned many front wheel drive cars and have rebuild or changed CV joints many times, but that was over 20 years ago with three VW's and one Nissan going back into the 70's. I the last 17 years I have owned 2 Toyota's and one Honda and never had any issue with CV joints. Both Toyota's had over 110,000 miles on them and the Honda has almost 70,000. The Camry is now owned by my daughter and is near 150,000 miles with no axle problems. I just don't understand why Ford is having a problem!

Remember, a Prius is sold for more than a hybrid Maverick.

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