What is a full-float axle? What is a semi-float axle?

Ever wonder what they're talking about when they say semi-float or full-floating axles? Here's a quick video explaining the differences between the two axle types to help you out.

*This product is meant for entertainment purposes only. Your mileage may vary. Do not try this at home. Void where prohibited. Some assembly required. For off-road use only. Slippery when wet. Batteries not included. Do not use while operating a motor vehicle, heavy equipment, cherokee XJ, wrangler TJ, wrangler JK, or any Jeep vehicle, especially the newer Fiat ones. How-to videos may be too intense for some viewers and children under 30 years of age. Please remain seated until the 4x4 ride has come to a complete stop. Studies have shown viewing these videos causes increased cancer risks in laboratory test people. I am not a professional, I have no training, I'm not even particularly good at horse whispering. Don't believe everything that you know. Please keep your hands in the vehicle at all times. Do not tap on glass. Do not eat anything that has been on the floor for more than 3 days. Keep your hands to yourself. Not to be taken internally. Reproduction strictly prohibited. Driver does not carry cash. Objects in Bleepinjeep mirrors may be farther than they appear.*

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[willb]

One of the best, most clear explanations of full vs semi float.

[coltius]

This is something I've been wondering about. Having physical examples on hand is the best method of explanation.

[dilshadmashoor]

I clicked when I saw “Bleepinjeep” I knew the difference on full and semi float.... but your video on gear ratio certainly was impressive just like this your videos are educational, you are an asset to DIYers and YouTube well done!
My humble request cut the intro, it’s too long, loud (people listening to tutorials tend to keep volume up sometimes), and for some viewers who are new to you might not even watch. My 2 cents!
Great videos! Cheers!

[slammerx]

Best explanation full float axle in youtube, don't waste your time to look for others.

[rubberhamburger]

I saw a half ton pickup on the side of the road a few weeks ago. Resting on its rear bumper with a bumper pull toy hauler behind it. I imagine that guy could have benefited from watching this. Good explanation sir.

[chippyjohn]

thanks for the explanation on full floating. However your description un unsprung weight was actually describing rotational mass. Unsprung weight is everything connected to the body via the suspension, the more unsprung weight you have the less responsive it will become, its more important for high speed traction!

[insomniac]

I had a ford 9 inch break on me with a camper and trailer on the truck. We were going camping and we were 30 miles from the nearest phone. Needless to say, that sucked. It could have been a little better if the entire wheel hadn't come flying off. Luckily we were on flat straight road and not the switchbacks. Now I have a 1 ton. Half tons and partial floating axles are worthless! Nice video!

[fredsalter]

Outstanding explanation & demonstration!!!

[ericl]

One thing many here will already know, but might be useful to others, is that in most modern semi-floating axles, the shafts are retained via C-clips to the side gears of the differential, not by a bearing cap at the end of the housing combined with a pressed-on sleeve that keeps the wheel bearing from sliding inward, as was common years ago (and as shown on your semi-floating example here).

[paveltolz]

Thank you so very much. Clear, to the point and great demonstration for people like me who need visual references to fully comprehend written / oral instructions.
Love it when the light bulb comes on in my old head.

[DanWebster]

very good explanation I learn something new everyday. Thanks for taking time out to share this knowledge. -PawPaw

[pidgeiam]

Excellent explanation. Thanks for that tutorial.
-Pidge

[admantiom]

Thanks for taking the time to explain.

[SamSam-kezy]

One day, in the far future I hope to get a M715 and do major work on it so this video is helps me look forward to that glorious day. Thank you

[endtimeawakening]

Awesome explanation! Very clear and descriptive, thanks for sharing your knowledge with us!

[CaptK-pyrq]

My 2004, 3500 Silverado dually, only with disc, full float...great explanation, thank you! I subscribed.

[JimTMcDaniels]

So it looks that means that floating has wheel bearings that must be greased and repacked after so many miles instead of the bearings being lubed by the differential fluid..?

[ryanj]

Thanks mate, very informative and helpful...Just saw a guy near me with a 1982 Jeep j20 dana 60 rear full float and dana 44 front for sale and needed to understand the full float concept ha, cheers

[gaylar]

So helpful! Thank you. Especially having the actual axles for demonstration. :)

[mikerodr]

Ford F 250's 3/4 ton used the full float Axel. Chevy and Dodge 3/4 ton use full float Axels also. F.Y.I. Class 8 Big Rigs use full float design as well. Some wrecker drivers remove the Axles instead of removing the drive shat to protect the transmission when towing a big rig. The keep a 2 Cap's made of plywood handy to cover the holes on each side.