Axle shaft

An axle shaft (20) has an inboard end portion (30) with a spline (34) for engagement with a differential assembly (12) and an outboard end (40) with a flange (50) for mounting a wheel hub assembly (14). One or both of the end portions (30, 40) have cavities (36, 60) for weight reduction. The inboard end portion cavity (36) extends underneath the spline (34). The outboard end portion cavity (60) extends completely underneath the flange (50).