Rockwell Axle Rebuild Photos


The following Rockwell axle rebuild photos have been provided by Filthy Motorsports and show the rebuild process of a pair of used military surplus 2.5 ton Rockwell steering axles. These axles will be installed in a custom 4-link suspension application and feature lockers, selectable hubs, custom covers, and their Ultimate Rockwell Axle Pinion and Wheel Brake Kit.



Rockwell Axle Disassembly


Preparing Rockwell axles for a rebuild is a straight forward process as they have clearly been engineered for that the military to be able to service and repair them in the roughest conditions with simple, readily accessible tools. The worst part about disassembling Rockwell axles is that the parts are extremely heavy and the decades old axle grease is thick, sticky, and packed just about everywhere.


Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle



Rockwell Axle Housings


These particular axles are being built to be installed under a Ford F250 mud truck with a sub frame and will run 44" Bogger tires, dual ORI Struts per corner, and a custom 4-link Suspension System. The insides of the axles have been coated with a heavy duty, oil resistant, protective paint (red).


Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle
Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle



Rockwell Axle Diff Covers


Custom differential covers were fabricated to provide extra gound clearance as well as additional gusseting and strength to the carreir housing.


Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle
Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle


*These Rockwell differential covers are prototypes and not available for sale.*







Rockwell Axle Top Loader Differential Rebuild


Special attention was spent on the Rockwell top loader differentials as the housings were ground smooth for a more attractive painted finish, and custom covers were fabricated. An ARB Air Locker was installed in the rear axle and a Detroit Locker was installed in the front axle to be paired with Mile Market selectable hubs. The pinion shafts were carefully preloaded for correct gear tooth patterns and the front forward facing pinion flange was cut-off as it will not be used.


Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle
Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle
Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle
Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle
Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle
Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle
Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle
Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle
Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle
Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle
Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle


*These Rockwell top loader covers and pinion delete are prototypes and not available for sale.*




Rockwell Axle Hub, Spindle, and Knuckle Rebuild


Rebuilding the knuckles, spindles and wheel hubs requires replacing all of the bushings which need to be honed and/or reamed to the proper internal diameter. Heavy duty, aftermarket inner axle seals were installed and the hubs were machined in preparation for a custom disc brake conversion prior to the wheel studs being pressed in. New greaseable u-joints were installed between the axle shafts and the rear axle flanges were cut down and welded for added strength and a cleaner look. New silicone dust boots, clamps, and steering stop bolts were installed to complete the hub installation.


Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle
Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle
Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle
Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle
Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle
Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle
Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle



Filthy Motorsports Ultimate Rockwell Axle Wheel Brake Kit


The Filthy Motorsports Ultimate Rockwell Disc Brake conversion kit features Wilwood forged 4-piston calipers, Wilwood 14" slotted race rotors, and aggressive brake pads for unprecedented braking performance and pedal feel. Other than some simple machining required to the wheel hubs, this kit is a complete bolt on assembly and weighs in at under 45lbs. per wheel (30lbs. lighter per wheel than the OEM drum brakes and 95lbs. lighter per wheel than the popular bus disc brake conversion.)


This kit is available by special order (yes, it is very expensive) through Filthy Motorsports.


Licensing and/or the exclusive manufacturing and resale rights to this kit are also available for purchase.



Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle
Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle
Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle



Filthy Motorsports Ultimate Rockwell Axle Pinion Brake Kit with Parking Brake


The Filthy Motorsports Ultimate Rockwell Pinion Brake conversion kit features Wilwood calipers and rotors with a mechanical parking brake. This kit is a direct bolt-on systme that includes all of the hardware and bracketry needed to provide impressive secondary braking to your Rockwell axles. This kit is recommended for installation on rear axles only and pinion brakes should never be used as your primary braking system.


This kit is available by special order through Filthy Motorsports.


Licensing and/or the exclusive manufacturing and resale rights to this kit are also available for purchase.



Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle
Rockwell Axle Rockwell Axle