How much horsepower will 31 spline axles handle?
When upgrading or modifying your vehicle, understanding the limits of your components is crucial. One common question among car enthusiasts and off-roaders is how much horsepower 31 spline axles can handle. In this article, we’ll dive into the factors that determine the strength of 31 spline axles and provide insights into their performance capabilities.
What Are 31 Spline Axles?
Axles are a critical component of your vehicle's drivetrain, transferring power from the differential to the wheels. The term "31 spline" refers to the number of splines, or teeth, on the axle shaft that engage with the differential. More splines generally mean a stronger axle, as the load is distributed across a greater surface area.
Factors That Affect Horsepower Handling
The amount of horsepower 31 spline axles can handle depends on several factors, including:
- Material Strength: Axles made from high-quality materials, such as chromoly steel, are significantly stronger than those made from standard steel.
- Heat Treatment: Proper heat treatment can enhance the durability and strength of the axle, allowing it to withstand higher torque and horsepower.
- Vehicle Weight: Heavier vehicles place more stress on the axles, reducing their ability to handle high horsepower.
- Driving Conditions: Aggressive driving, such as drag racing or off-roading, can push axles to their limits compared to regular street driving.
- Tire Size and Traction: Larger tires and increased traction can amplify the stress on axles, especially during hard launches or sudden acceleration.
Typical Horsepower Limits for 31 Spline Axles
In general, 31 spline axles are considered a robust choice for high-performance applications. Stock 31 spline axles can typically handle up to 400-450 horsepower under normal driving conditions. However, upgraded aftermarket 31 spline axles, especially those made from chromoly steel, can handle significantly more—often exceeding 600 horsepower when paired with the right components and proper installation.
When Should You Upgrade?
If you’re planning to push your vehicle beyond 450 horsepower or engage in activities like drag racing or off-roading, upgrading to aftermarket 31 spline axles is a wise investment. Look for axles with enhanced materials, heat treatment, and a reputation for durability to ensure they can handle the demands of your build.
Conclusion
31 spline axles are a solid choice for many performance builds, offering a balance of strength and affordability. While stock axles can handle moderate horsepower levels, upgrading to aftermarket options is essential for high-performance or extreme driving conditions. At Kevin’s Autos, we’re here to help you choose the right components for your vehicle and ensure they’re installed correctly for maximum performance and reliability. Contact us today to discuss your build!
Frequently Asked Questions
What spline is a Dana 60?
35 spline
Ford Dana 60 axles mostly feature 35 spline inner axle shafts, but some are 30 spline.
Is 28 or 31 spline better?
31 spline axles which are about 30% stronger than the 28 spline axles making them a popular aftermarket upgrade for Fox, SN95, and New Edge Mustang owners.
How much power can a Borg-Warner diff handle?
While still a BorgWarner, the 80-series — as used in late-model IRS Falcons and Commodores — is a Dana-derived unit and there is no interchangeability with the earlier 75 or 78-series components. So how strong is a BorgWarner? Some experts we spoke to didn't rate it past 350hp, while others went as high as 500hp.
Are more splines stronger?
Generally, more splines means a larger-diameter, stronger shaft (the 14-bolt 30-spline is an exception).
What is the maximum torque for a 31 spline axle?
Moser's tq rating is 7,000 ft/lbs per axle for the 31 splines. By that calculator, a 31-spline should be just fine.
What is the most popular spline size?
For standard screening material, 0.140” and 0.160” spline are the most commonly used sizes. For thicker screening products, 0.125” is the most common.
How much horsepower can a Ford 9 inch handle?
They're good to 800 hp, if built properly.
How much power can 30-spline axles handle?
"This will give you a figure that represents the maximum amount of torque transmitted to both axles if you launched at your engine's torque peak and dead-hooked out of the hole. A 30-spline axle is rated at 6,200 lb-ft, a 31-spline at 7,000, a 33-spline at 8,200, a 35-spline at 9,600, and a 40-spline at 12,000.
What is a 31 spline?
Splines are the grooves on the differential end of the axle that engage the differential. They are what the diff uses to turn the axles. 31-spline axles can take more power but they won't fit a 28-spline diff. If you want to run 31s you have to upgrade to a 31-spline diff.
What is the horsepower rating of a 31 spline billet axle?
Crafted from high-strength billet steel (EN1440), these precision-engineered 31 spline axles feature a 160mm spline length, allowing for adjustable overall lengths from 820.00mm to 724.00mm. Designed to handle 700 – 800 HP, these axles are ideal for high-performance applications such as drag racing and off-road builds.
