I decided to go ahead in put the left “used-to-be-dry” axle back in after filling the boot with gear oil. I don't expect it to last long.
I put the new one on the right side. BUT… it needs a spacer/washer/shim. Apparently whoever removed the right axle last didn’t put the spacer back.

Searching through the forum, it seems these spacers are no longer available. So what now?

I’m gonna stop by the indy shop and see if they got something. I’ve used a feeler gauge to measure the space and 1.143 mm makes it tight. But it’s not accurate. I’m wedging the gauge behind the c-clip on one side, so it might need less than that.

If no luck there, what are my options? I don't like the idea of leaving that much slack in the differential.

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1985 Mercedes-Benz 300D (Benzoil)
2000 Toyota Celica (Liquid Silver)
2004 Honda VTX 1300 (Cylon Raider)