axle question

[sculptart@aol.com]

Happy Holidays to all, A simple question...what is the origin of the terms 3/4 floating, semi floating, etc., axles? When replacing bearings and shafts in the rear end, I kept coming across these terms and found 3/4 floating indicates no car weight is taken through the axle shaft and semi floating is a portion of the weight of the car is through the axle. Is there a simple way to understand these terms and are there more? I understand out TCs are 3/4 floating, but in looking at the axle assembly, I think a small portion of the car weight, not to mention the cornering forces would be taken up by the half shaft. Is this a correct assumption or not? My best wishes of the season to all, Ben Cordsen, TC 4260