I bought 2 reman axles from carquest. Odd thing.. even though both part numbers match the axles do not look the same. One is the spitting image of the originals, the other one looks very different.

They are the same length extended and compacted. The splines are the same and it looks like both would work. However, personally I think I am going to insist that they replace the axle with the same type.

Anyone have any thoughts about it? Does it matter if they don't look the same but are equal in length and size?

Attached Thumbnails

 

__________________
'84 300CD Turbo 132k (Anthracite Grey) - WVO - My daily driver - Recently named coo-coo-coupe by my daughter.
'84 300D Turbo 240k (Anthracite Grey) - Garage Queen
'83 300D Turbo 220k (Orient Red) - WVO - Wifes daily driver

I'm not a certified mechanic, but I did stay at a HolidayInn Express last night.

The lower axle appears to be a newer aftermarket design. I know GKN/Lobro sold this kind of design and it was a quality product. They are functionally the same - the design is updated to allow taking the thing apart without having to cut off the old can and crimp on a new can.

So all other things being equal, the on the lower one you can replace a torn boot without special tools.

I'm kinda surprised to see one of those newer ones in reman circulation.

Ken300D

__________________
--------------------------
1982 300D at 351K miles
1984 300SD at 217K miles
1987 300D at 370K miles