Tom's Differentials closing
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,717
Likes: 551
From: Seattle Washington
I'm curious about the availability of the Toms real Axels. I have no idea who was producing them and its none of my business. But will they continue to be produced? I'm referring to the Standard Bearing Replacements. I didn't like the 1/2" Axel Studs and I used Conversion Studs to get them back to 7/16. But other than that, they were great. Will they live on?
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,173
Likes: 3,982
From: Connecticut, USA
I'm curious about the availability of the Toms real Axels. I have no idea who was producing them and its none of my business. But will they continue to be produced? I'm referring to the Standard Bearing Replacements. I didn't like the 1/2" Axel Studs and I used Conversion Studs to get them back to 7/16. But other than that, they were great. Will they live on?
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,717
Likes: 551
From: Seattle Washington
But if you use the 7/16 there is no way to adjust the parking brakes. I used the 7/16 for Rivets and then used the conversion studs. Riveted like factory and adjustable parking brakes. I should also say that I am machining the Rotor after its Riveted.
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,173
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From: Connecticut, USA
Depending on your application and build type, if you want to rivet rotors and turn like gm did or Bair's does, then you use the stock axle. If the concern is rotor runout vs originality, then riveting, tapping, or as most rebuilders do- nothing to hold the rotors on. I have dialed in new and used rotors to under 003" both bolting on or using the lug nuts only method. Both will keep the runout in place. Turning as an assembly will not have any runout as GM did. I tested a long time ago, turning rotors on an axle with the rotor bolted on. I like the fact you can remove the rotor without issue if needed. I turned the assembly, checked it, no runout, unbolted it and removed the rotor. Bolted it back on and torqued the flatheads, rechecked the runout and had 0015-002" still pretty good but not -0- as turned. I checked runout torquing the wheel studs using a plate I made and found runout did change, a little. That simulated torquing a wheel on. So, if the runout from the start is over 003" it may open more once the wheels are retorqued. While 005 is often referred to as max runout, I stick with 003" or under.
Last edited by GTR1999; Sep 16, 2025 at 07:07 PM.
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,173
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From: Connecticut, USA
I matched a set of Tom's 17's to new rotors today. These are using stock 7/16x 20 wheel studs. I fit flatheads to the 1/2 hole pattern. Bolting them on is not a requirement but has been one of my standard details for decades, so I kept these the same.
NOTE, I am just showing the axle can be bolted to the rotors if wanted as I explained earlier.
NOTE, I am just showing the axle can be bolted to the rotors if wanted as I explained earlier.
Last edited by GTR1999; Jun 1, 2026 at 09:28 AM.
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2026
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
Gary. Gtr1999 I’m looking for axle seals form Tom’s differential TTO F4204 outer rear axle seals. I’m not sure how else to contact you. Site will not let me message you yet. Thanks
Last edited by Speedyhunting; May 31, 2026 at 11:07 PM. Reason: Can’t message anyone yet
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Connecticut, USA
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Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Connecticut, USA
KA10V-ODAK are a forged 1541, 31 spline with 1350 flanges, the best outer vette axle made. The only one better are the 1480. Lucky you have the real deal and not the knockoffs sold the past few years.
I can't post part numbers or give you a quote here since I am not a vendor per say.
I can't post part numbers or give you a quote here since I am not a vendor per say.
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2026
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
KA10V-ODAK are a forged 1541, 31 spline with 1350 flanges, the best outer vette axle made. The only one better are the 1480. Lucky you have the real deal and not the knockoffs sold the past few years.
I can't post part numbers or give you a quote here since I am not a vendor per say.
I can't post part numbers or give you a quote here since I am not a vendor per say.
Thanks
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,727
Likes: 2,579
Well this site will not let me message you a because I am new, I did send you a friend request. You can Send me a message at Rick.kohn1@yahoo.com and we will figure it out.
Thanks
Thanks