Sexton Off Road - Axle Bearing Retainers

There are two main types of rear axles Semi Float Axles and Full Float Axles. A full float axle rides on the bearings and supports the weight of the vehicle on the axle spindle and is generally considered stronger than a semi float. Most of your 1 ton like Dana 60, GM 14 bolt and larger axles are of the full float axle variety. A Semi-float axle is typical of the smaller 4 wheel drives and usually has a bearing pressed on toward the axle flange. this bearing is what supports the vehicle weight inside a bearing pocket. Some designs have an internal c clip that holds the axle wheel and entire assembly into the axle housing this can be problematic if you break it while moving you have a tendency to lose the tire wheel and what remains of the shaft leaving the truck on the ground. Other axles like the Ford 9" have a semi float design that hold the axle shaft in place with a bearing retainer. This bearing retainer is bolted on the end of the housing holding the bearing in place and if you were to break and axle shaft it would still keep the wheel and tire in place allowing you to get off the trail and make it home.