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Centrevillemx
July 23rd, 2003, 13:06
Exactly what is a portal axle? From what I 've heard its pretty state of the art. But I have no clue what it is.
ChiXJeff
July 23rd, 2003, 13:21
Portal axle being state of the art? <grin>I don't think so, Tim! </grin> They've been around for years.

The usual run-of-the-mill axles have the axle shaft running in the axis as the wheel, i.e. the wheels bolts directly to it.

In a portal axle, there is a gearbox out at the end of the axle tube. The axle turns a gear in the top of the box, which drives a gear (usually larger geting additional reduction) that has a hub on the outside.

So, what does this mean in English? The axles (and by extension, diff) get mounted higher in a portal than in a standard axle. You get more ground clearance, and usually some killer gears. Unimog axles are the best known, although Volvo has a few that are lighter.

Dad's harvester tractor back home has a goofy portal axle setup; he bought it in 1967.
Rev Den
July 23rd, 2003, 13:32
http://www.west-4x4.demon.co.uk/portal.gif


Rev
LRRH
July 23rd, 2003, 13:46
check out this page....this discussion has been going on over at the IFSJA.

http://www.ifsja.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=020674
Dazz
July 23rd, 2003, 13:52
http://www.ifsja.org/ubb/ultimatebb...ic;f=2;t=020674
Looks like they got that pic from here...

http://www.killeraxles.com/html/portal_axles.html

http://www.killeraxles.com/assets/images/Axle_Parts_036.xxl.jpg
Jes
July 23rd, 2003, 13:59
9" center section turned upside down with MOG portals on the ends...
http://www.fototime.com/{4D675272-885C-4598-BD14-679C79FDF8AB}/picture.JPG


Jes
Patriot
July 23rd, 2003, 17:31
Peterson's 4-wheel had a article on a company that's making a 9" hybrid portal for Hummers. Does anyone know if they'll be making them in shorter lengths for smaller width rigs?
Centrevillemx
July 24th, 2003, 07:46
O Ok yeah I have a set of those n my new Holland Tractor. Thanks for clearing up my confusion
Eagle
July 24th, 2003, 08:26
Originally posted by Centrevillemx
O Ok yeah I have a set of those n my new Holland Tractor. Thanks for clearing up my confusion

So ... I guess you have your winter swap project all lined up, right? :jester:
Centrevillemx
July 24th, 2003, 09:15
Eagle, Could that be Done? I came down hard on a rock with that tractor(weighing 5000+ lbs) right on the pumpkin and all it did was smile. Other than the fact that it is desinged to be run at a max of 15 miles per hour It handles big tires and heavy loads really well. One of the trucks In the Four Wheeler Mags Top Truck Challenge had those(3/4 ton I believe) and it was running 52's!
With a bolt change on the Hub I think it could work......
vintagespeed
July 24th, 2003, 18:37
Hell, VW buses prior to '68 all had portal axles. Hehe, new hi-tech yeah right. =)
justin d zaharko
July 24th, 2003, 19:27
wasnt ther a tech article in 4 wheeler about highbrid 9in centers with portal ends being built int the usa????
Who is building them?????