Rear axle problems from lift kit (or lowering)?

[Maverick123]

Sort of getting the itch to either raise or drop the Mav. So, a 2 part question :

1) Everyone says that a lift kit on a Maverick = axle problems (maybe). *BUT* is it only the FRONT axles that go bad? I've searched but didn't really find any threads dealing with blown rear axles. If a lift doesn't result in blown rear axles, it sorta validates the fact that the original front axles are a bad design - and maybe the updated 2025+ front axles have fixed the problem?

2) Has anyone blown axles on a dropped Maverick? Again, not finding any threads discussing that

Thanks

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[Mudduck]

The Maverick had a run of bad axles. There are a lot of threads on this. I have not seen anyone be able to say with certainty that a lift was the root cause, although increasing the angle of the half shafts can definitely cause premature wear.
Lowering will put the axles at even less of an angle. My thoughts are that if the half shafts have a lessened angle, they should in theory last a bit longer than stock and lifted. I could be completely full of shit too....

And there are always the cases where a guy had a defect from the factory and coincidentally lifted or lowered and the problem shows it head earlier than it would have. Then we hear the XXX lift/lower kit ruined my axles.. Its all cerebral.

 

[Toymaster]

I have my hybrid AWD lowered with Goodwin coils. Here are pics of my axles on level ground, but the camera may not have been held level and taken at night. -2" in front and -2.6" in the rear.

Rear, they are headed upward toward the wheel but are at less of an angle than any of my other vehicle's independant axles.

Front, pretty darn flat I'd say.

 

[Maverick123]

I have my hybrid AWD lowered with Goodwin coils. Here are pics of my axles on level ground, but the camera may not have been held level and taken at night. -2" in front and -2.6" in the rear.

Rear, they are headed upward toward the wheel but are at less of an angle than any of my other vehicle's independant axles.

Front, pretty darn flat I'd say.

Great info. I guess the aibags are to retain cargo capacity with the dropped suspension? Good idea, I'd likely do the same so the rear doesn't bottom out from towing 4k ... either that or Timbrens (would they work with a drop?) ... Thanks

 

[Toymaster]

Great info. I guess the aibags are to retain cargo capacity with the dropped suspension? Good idea, I'd likely do the same so the rear doesn't bottom out from towing 4k ... either that or Timbrens (would they work with a drop?) ... Thanks

Yes, the air springs are for keeping the rear up while loaded. I prefer air as you can adjust the pressure, with timbrens you have one set rate and cost three times as much. What you have to watch out for is the timbrens and air bags are sized for stock ride height. The air lift air springs come in different heights.

 

[grandpopa'sMPGs]

Lowering the truck will decrease the wear on both the inboard and outboard axil grease boots as well as the inboard triad constant velocity joint. However the wear on the outboard CV joint will be increased because all the wear/stress pattern will be in a much narrower band in the joint.

 

[Robot-Wrangler]

Sort of getting the itch to either raise or drop the Mav. So, a 2 part question :

1) Everyone says that a lift kit on a Maverick = axle problems (maybe). *BUT* is it only the FRONT axles that go bad? I've searched but didn't really find any threads dealing with blown rear axles. If a lift doesn't result in blown rear axles, it sorta validates the fact that the original front axles are a bad design - and maybe the updated 2025+ front axles have fixed the problem?

2) Has anyone blown axles on a dropped Maverick? Again, not finding any threads discussing that

Thanks

Rough Country +2.5" full suspension system. No issues to report.

 

[drgracr1]

Yes, the air springs are for keeping the rear up while loaded. I prefer air as you can adjust the pressure, with timbrens you have one set rate and cost three times as much. What you have to watch out for is the timbrens and air bags are sized for stock ride height. The air lift air springs come in different heights.

Which size springs did you get? I’m about to lower my AWD with Goodwin’s.

 

[LC48]

Been lowered on Eibach springs for about 45K miles now, no problems - inspect boots and shafts at every service interval, for me that's every 5 - 6K. ISC coilovers sitting in my storeroom waiting.........

 

[Toymaster]

Which size springs did you get? I’m about to lower my AWD with Goodwin’s.

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/forum/threads/lowering-parts-check-2025-hybrid-awd.77557/

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