Date:         Thu, 4 Feb 2010 17:15:12 -0800
Reply-To:     Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject:      Re: discrepancy in rear axle length
In-Reply-To:  <64e9833a1002040536o3ae466d4w80c9b0c1eff913f2@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

Mark,  I can't say for sure with your axle situation, but when I replaced the worn axle assemblies (that is, axle, 2 CV joints, 2 boots) recently on my 85 2 WD manual tranny Vanagon, the new (but rebuilt by GoWesty) ones were indeed shorter than what I had just removed.  I never actually laid them side by side, new and old, but when I did the install they appeared also to be about 0.5 inch shorter.  The old ones were flush with their appropriate mounting surfaces but the with the new ones, there was definitely a gap.  I attributed it to the new rubber boots kinda pulling things together by about 0.25 inch per boot.  I had to "stretch" the CV joints and boots into position a little.  Anyway, all went together just fine and although I only have about 500 miles on them, all is working smooth as a whistle.

Rich
85 Vanagon
San Diego

--- On Thu, 2/4/10, Mark McCulley <markmcculley@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

From: Mark McCulley <markmcculley@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: discrepancy in rear axle length
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Date: Thursday, February 4, 2010, 5:36 AM

I'm in the process of installing a pair of new rear half axles in my '87
syncro. I purchased the axles (with CVs) years ago from Bus Depot
and squirreled them away until now. I believe they were sold as OEM NOS but
I can't be sure about that at this point. Anyway, it turns out the axles
themselves are about 0.5" shorter than the original axles. Now I'm wondering
if I have the correct part. Anyone have a similar experience with new (not
rebuilt) half axles?

-Mark