Heard a slight noise coming from the rear axles and pulled them to replace the bearings. My passenger side axle actually has some pitting on it. Is it time to replace it? And any recommendations on the brand? Or are they all made in China now?

 

Richmond seems to be the favorite on RockAuto. Some are kits including bearing and seal

I would venture a guess they're all made in China

 

Yes, time to replace it and the bearing
I would use the axles that Autozone sells you because of their warranty
China or not

 

I've been very pleased with the Dana axles I've used from Rock Auto.

 

Well Rock Auto only has one of the Danas available and the Richmond's are their Excel line which I read somewhere may be the same factory in India as Motive Gear. All these have the multi-stud ends for pressed or threaded so you end up with 10 holes instead of 5. It may not compromise the strength, but I like the idea of just having what's necessary.

Then I found Dutchman. They make custom and stock axles here in the in US. Their OEM replacements are $330 for a pair and they will press in the new lug studs. Their alloy is the SAE 1541 (with manganese) as the Richmond Excels and Motive Gear. So I think I'm going to give them a try. I'll double-check all their measurements that they provide up front. https://dutchmanaxles.com/ford-truck...clip-pair.html

 

Can't you just get a Ford or Spicer axle from 6 states or Motive Industries?
You are not going racing right?
A rRchmond or Motive gear should be just fine
The machining of the groove and whether there is an o ring for the c clip is what I would be concerned about
The cheap ones have crappy tolerances (sometimes) and will click and rattle if the c clip is loose has been my experience

 

No. Not racing. I do pull a about a 5,000 lb trailer, but that's probably still not pushing it too much, huh?

I hadn't been able to find Ford Axles available yet, and Spicer also appears to only have one of the axles available In fact, I tried to order a couple of these brands already like Motive Gear, only to have them come back and say one side was not available. So I kept looking.

I always try to support American Jobs if I can. Dutchman isn't going to fly spy balloons over us, supply Russia with arms, or try to interfere in our elections. And that's what I'm supporting if I just go with whatever supplier overseas. I know not everyone feels that way but I'm okay with paying a little more to keep more of it here.

I know the current axles definitely have o-rings for the c clips and none of these aftermarket brands have mentioned that. Thanks for bringing that up. It's a great thing for me to check on.

 

You can find those o rings
I agree about American manufacture if possible

 

Yeah. The o-ring store online is great if you haven't found them: https://www.theoringstore.com › store

They have all kinds of materials. You can easily call them and describe the heat and fluids the o-ring will come in contact with and they will recommend the best o-ring materials from their line up.