The function of an axleshaft is hardly what an enthusiast would term a "plum assignment." Imagine a relatively small-diameter piece of metal is required to effectively transfer hundreds of foot-pounds of torque from a gearset to a wheel and tire that is - most of the time - firmly planted on the ground. Just think of the stress involved trying to accomplish such an assignment: the tire is exerting pressure and resistance on one end of he axleshaft, while the opposite end is being twisted by the engine's torque. It's no wonder that axleshafts break.
Fortunately, stronger-than-OE axleshafts are readily available from many aftermarket suppliers and provide a solution to breakage-prone stock axles. Of course, no component or part on our trucks is truly break-proof; even super-tough axleshafts can become pretzeled, given enough torque and tire. For most trucks, though, upgrading to a quality axleshaft will go a long way toward keeping the drive axle assembly intact, and that means grief-free 'wheeling.
