Breaking axles

[IrocE30]

Just five lugged by s50 swapped e30 used 318ti rear seat up with 3.73 lsd and 325is axles. Got it all done today took it out did a pretty good burnout through 3rd and broke the cv on the axle. Has any one else had this problem? Are there any uprgrade axles like using e30 M3 axles?

[Teaguer]

318 axles are the tiniest axles you could have used.
M3 axles don't have these problems and even stepping up to 325 should cure this issue.

[IrocE30]

I was using 325is axles are m3 axles bigger?

[valleymotorwerks]

You can break anything if you try hard enough...

[IrocE30]

This is true, i probally shouldnt have did a burnout right after i finished, but at least i didnt need a tow truck.

[MR 325]

Stock E30 axles should hold up just fine. 318ti axles definitely will not though, I broke 3 on my car before going MZ3.

[IrocE30]

If you read the OP i state i was using 325is axle specifically because of the puny 318ti axle scared me. so If im the only one having this problem it was probally wear issue? So i'm gonna put another 325i axle a try it again. How ever i'm gonna drive hard and hope it doesnt break.

[nando]

they were probably on their way out already. the only guys who commonly break them are doing hard drag passes in the 1/4 mile with 500whp turbo setups, etc. an S50 swap isn't in that territory.

and AFAIK, E30 M3 and 325 axles are the same size. MZ3 are bigger of course.

[IrocE30]

Alrighty thanks, also i installed AKG 12mm shorter Poly mounts and now my drivshaft scapes the gas tank any thoughts? Tried spacing the Carrier bearing down but it didnt help.

[nando]

you need to space the diff down 12mm, not the CSB.

[IrocE30]

If u have to space the diff back down then why do they sell the offset diff bushing, i agree that spacing the diff back down will fix it. But it seems that the new diff bushing was unesessary.

[vmwerks]

This is true, i probally shouldnt have did a burnout right after i finished, but at least i didnt need a tow truck.

Good point :) smooth is always faster than not. Smooth is also easiest on the driveline... I do agree that your axes may have already been on their way out and you just nudged them over the edge.

[Teaguer]

If u have to space the diff back down then why do they sell the offset diff bushing, i agree that spacing the diff back down will fix it. But it seems that the new diff bushing was unesessary.

You space the diff down the same amount so the driveshaft/pinion angle stays where it needs to be.

Spacing the subframe up is to move the control arms up which gives slightly less negative camber.

[nando]

If u have to space the diff back down then why do they sell the offset diff bushing, i agree that spacing the diff back down will fix it. But it seems that the new diff bushing was unesessary.

You dont move the diff. It stays in its original position - there is no point to the offset bushing, because the diff position remains unchanged (unless you like faster pinion and ujoint wear).

This is an old DTM M3 mod. I assume BMW Motorsport knew what they were doing...

[IrocE30]

I understand why you would install the different subframe bushings, that would be why i put them in, this mod with out putting in spacers between the diff and subframe offsets the diff bushing by 12mm from the body mount. So by spacing the diff down by 12mm you put it back in the original position and there is no need for an offset diffbushing. so why do they sell you an offset diff bushing with the "kit" and not 12mm spacers for the diff.