Rear axle size and steering

bbbthreat · Feb 11, 2007

Alright this is going to be total newb question, but i was wondering about steering geometry on the Warriors. If i get +2 a-arms on a Warrior is there really a need to get a +2 axle, especially if you're running a wider tire? I would think having a wider rear end than the front would make the handling on turning and sliding worse.

The only reason I ask is I'm thinking of getting some a-arms and trying to decide if it would be better to buy a stock sized axle (my current one is FUBAR as some of you know) or to get a wider axle to go with the wider arms.

Any help would be appreciated and/or just opinions as to anything you've experienced in the past.

paintslinga2010 · Feb 11, 2007

If youre getting a new one anyway i would go with a +2 so long as your getting wider a-arms, otherwise your wider rear may hit things you dont suspect because you only see the front tires when you ride.

yamarider · Feb 11, 2007

Personally, I think having the front end about 2 inches overall wider than the rear end works about the best for all-around performance. My front end is widened 6 inches, and with the stock axle and stock wheels flipped, my rear end is exactly 2 inches narrower than the rear. So i'd suggest making that your target. An aftermarket axle will be stronger than another stock one, so that's something to keep in mind. It could be less money, trouble, and downtime in the long run if you think there is a chance of bending another stock axle. The stock axles are surprisingly strong though, mine has survived all kinds of abuse and is still perfectly straight.

Guest · Feb 12, 2007

your rear rims must be different than mine because if i flipped mine it would make it narrower.

yamarider · Feb 12, 2007

yeah, raptors have a narrower axle, and the wheels come from the factory with the wider offset. So it's not an option for you raptor guys, but it still works for the warriors.

bbbthreat · Feb 12, 2007

Didn't even think of swapping the tires around. I was looking to either get another stock axle off of ebay or try out a g-force axle +2 if I got those +2 a-arms. With the aftermarket tires I had on my stock axle when my Warrior wasn't wrecked, the rear wheels stuck out an inch more on each side in the rear vs the front.
Just wasn't sure if adding a bigger axle would be more hinderance than a help even if I put on bigger a-arms. Thanks for your guys' help.