How to Buy 2.5 Ton Rockwell Axles
Tracking down a set of military toploader 2.5 ton axles (rear and front or two fronts) is a challenge. These differentials seem to be more readily available in the Southern section of the States, and I would include Texas in that grouping. Beyond these areas though it can be a test of patience. I was able to find two sets here in Eastern Washington with a little Craigslist program call Craigs Pro+ (Not an affiliate for this program but I am an avid user) I put together a unique search for whatever it is I am in need of within the distance that I want to drive to pick it up and the program sends me an alert whenever a post matching my criteria is listed.
Even here in Washington, I was able to discover two pair of Rockwell axles for $800 a pair. These were the less-desirable bendix style but still were in ok shape. Ok enough to clean up and give a basic overhaul and plug right into my rig. (more on that later). When I got home from picking up my second set, I also got an update from an eBay search that I had saved and found another for sale in the state for $800. So make sure you add you eBay search to search for these for you automatically too
You can always track down a pair from some expensive retailers that offered military axles, however, I suggest tracking somebodies project parts via online adds. A word of caution about purchasing axles site unseen and halfway across the country, It is expensive to ship these axles (like any 1 ton or larger axle) and you would like to inspect the axles themselves for the typical axle issues. When I purchased both sets of my axles. I was able to also pick up a variety of other nice doo-dads that got intermingled my toploaders. I had the chance to source 20" steel wheels off of a Hemmit, that were later recentered (by me at home in my own garage) for DIY double beadlocks for $100 each. I also picked up some DOM tubing (freebie), and some original 2.5 ton wheels that I re-used the centers of in the modifications for the double beadlocks.
The moral of the story, like anything else wheeling related, put your feelers out there and be ready for the deal. When the time comes don't hesitate to ask about other rig-related items. You are often doing a service to the person selling the Rockwell Axles and they are inclined to toss in other "heavy stuff" scot-free.
Even here in Washington, I was able to discover two pair of Rockwell axles for $800 a pair. These were the less-desirable bendix style but still were in ok shape. Ok enough to clean up and give a basic overhaul and plug right into my rig. (more on that later). When I got home from picking up my second set, I also got an update from an eBay search that I had saved and found another for sale in the state for $800. So make sure you add you eBay search to search for these for you automatically too
You can always track down a pair from some expensive retailers that offered military axles, however, I suggest tracking somebodies project parts via online adds. A word of caution about purchasing axles site unseen and halfway across the country, It is expensive to ship these axles (like any 1 ton or larger axle) and you would like to inspect the axles themselves for the typical axle issues. When I purchased both sets of my axles. I was able to also pick up a variety of other nice doo-dads that got intermingled my toploaders. I had the chance to source 20" steel wheels off of a Hemmit, that were later recentered (by me at home in my own garage) for DIY double beadlocks for $100 each. I also picked up some DOM tubing (freebie), and some original 2.5 ton wheels that I re-used the centers of in the modifications for the double beadlocks.
The moral of the story, like anything else wheeling related, put your feelers out there and be ready for the deal. When the time comes don't hesitate to ask about other rig-related items. You are often doing a service to the person selling the Rockwell Axles and they are inclined to toss in other "heavy stuff" scot-free.
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