I think most of the auto parts places are fairly competetive with each other and most offer a lifetime warranty. The LTW is not a big issue for them since most people don't keep a car long enough to "collect" on the warranty.

The real warranty issue is in the proximity of that parts store chain to your future location when the part fails.

I only buy tires and batteries at Wal-mart. They always seem to blow-out or die when raveling away from home. It's kinda hard NOT to find a Wal-Mart in any town. All the new Wal-marts are being placed along interstates everywhere as well.

Too bad WM ain't in the auto part business...yet.

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1987 300TDT
1981 VW MKI Caddy 1.6 diesel, waiting on engine swap
1983 D-50 Power Ram 4x4 "Mitsubishi" 2.3 turbo diesel
assorted gas powered crap and motorcycles

RIP: 1984 300TDT, 1982 300TDT, 1984 190D 2.2, 1992 300D 2.5, 1987 300TDT, 1982 Maxima LD28, 1983 Maxima LD28, Isuzu C223 P'ups X3, 1983 Holiday Rambler 6.2 Banks turbo diesel, 1984 Winnebago LeSharo 2.1 TD, 1985 Allegro 6.5

Here is the poll I did on rebuild axels.

Rebuilt axle halves- How long did they last?

I will bump it to try and get more data.

Dave

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1970 220D, owned 1980-1990
1980 240D, owned 1990-1992
1982 300TD, owned 1992-1993
1986 300SDL, owned 1993-2004
1999 E300, owned 1999-2003
1982 300TD, 213,880mi, owned since Nov 18, 1991- Aug 4, 2010 SOLD
1988 560SL, 100,000mi, owned since 1995
1965 Mustang Fastback Mileage Unknown(My sons)
1983 240D, 176,000mi (My daughers) owned since 2004
2007 Honda Accord EX-L I4 auto, the new daily driver
1985 300D 264,000mi Son's new daily driver.(sold)
2008 Hyundai Tiberon. Daughters new car

Car parts.... that is. Going by CarQuest today and order a pair. I drive less than 8k miles per year. I figure I will need a new set in about 5 years or so.....

__________________
1984 300D Turbo Sedan (Hilda) 272,115 miles.....
Anthracite Gray/Palamino Leather, I am 3rd owner

2001 Dodge Stratus (Silver) (wifes) 55814 miles...

1982 280TE Wagon Astral Silver Metallic/
Anthracite Velour
260,512 miles (Eva)

1969 230 Sedan Olive Green/Black MBTex
4 Speed Manual
84,213 miles ????
Haus Frau


2004 Boreem Ninja Pocket Bike
Highly Modified 49cc (Ling Ling)

Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit

When I did the axles without removing the calipers I did have to be careful about not hitting everything on the way out. One thing I can't remember for sure was where I had the jack stands. I think I might have put them under the rear sub-assembly, not the recommended location but it worked well for me. I also didn't undo anything related to the diff, just took off the cover. A stubby wrench set is a big help. Also, I took off the diff cover vent when putting the cover back on, helped getting the top bolts back in. I'm sure I made a bit more work for myself but I was in a hurry. The calipers are very easy to remove, I was more afraid of having a problem getting them off so figured I'd try and leave them on.