General axle questions...

I posted this in the modified board, but couldn't get a clear answer. I know how c-clip axles are retained in the carrier, but how are non c-clip axles retained? Also, if c-clips were so bad, why aren't there any companies out there making bombproof c-clips? Also, what is the difference between semi-floating, and full-floating?

Non c-clip or semi float or retainer plate axles use a retainer plate at the outboard end of the shaft. It bolts over the brake backing plate and retains the axle brg. which is pressed on to the axle shaft. And as far as the c-clip, the problem isn't in the strength of the c-clip. The problem is its location. It's at the inner end of the shaft and if the shaft breaks there is nothing holding the axle in place, therefore it starts to walk its way out of the axle housing. On a full floater, the wheel is supported by a hub that rides on a spindle like what an older rr. drive car would use on the frt. The shafts only job is to supply torque to the hub, usually through a flange on the end of the shaft as you would see on 1 tons(the smaller bolt pattern sticking through wheel). Or through a lockout hub or solid slug of metal in place of that.

Non C-clip axles have a pressed on bearing retainer that keeps the bearing, oil seal and axle retainer in place. Then it's held on like explorer said by bolting it to the axle housing ends which also sandwiches the drum brake backing plate.