Axle replacement options (300TD)

[danielac]

So I actually created a thread about this recently, and the responses made me aware of all of my options so I decided to create a new one and get some fresh input. For those of you who responded to my original thread, thanks for your advice.

I have a 1984 300TD wagon, and was driving cross country when the axle started clunking. I called my mechanic who told me to check the boot and sure enough, there was grease coming out. I cut a whole in the boot, filled it with grease, and then duct taped the heck out of it. I made it another 1000 miles, having to stop to re-grease and tape the axle two more times (heard the clunking again only once).

So now I'm wondering the best way to fix this without paying an arm and a leg:

1. Reboot- They say OEM axles are the best, but how do I know if the axle is worth rebooting? After re-greasing, the car ran with zero problems and the axle was quiet. But once the axle has run dry at all and made noise, should I assume the axle is shot?

2. Junkyard & reboot- How can I tell if an axle at a junkyard is any good, or even if it's OEM? Seems like a lot of effort removing an axle just to guess and hope.

2. Rebuild- How can I tell if my axle can be rebuilt? How much can this cost? How long can it take? How reliable? I don't have another car, and it seems like this option could keep my car out of commission longest. If it's worth it (cheap and reliable), though, then I'm open to it.

3. Aftermarket- This seems like the easiest option. Advance has Cardone axles for $85 each with a lifetime warranty. Does anybody have experience with this brand? I'm hearing mixed reviews about aftermarket axles. The lifetime warranty makes it seem like a safe bet (other than time lost if I have to replace again). But if it performs noticeably worse and I can feel the difference in the ride, then I'd probably regret it. If it's not noticeable except to the very discerning driver, I probably wouldn't care.

I'm open to all suggestions and advice. I'm a college student with more time than money, though, so I have to be pretty frugal about this.

[Mxfrank]

If it helps, Cardones are remanufatured axles. Since all your choices are old axles with new boots, it's just a question of the quality of the core and the diligence of the rebuilder.