Quote Originally Posted by MSHardeman View Post
Chris, I find it hard to believe that the VX center section is unique too. Heck, they didn't make enough of these things to warrant designing and entirely new axle for them. It did sound like Merlin was just typing on his computer, but what he could find was that the axles for the VX where a different lenth than anything else. I guess the only way to find out would be to take a few Zu axles apart to see what's what. I don't doubt that our diffs are the same it's the lenth of the axle itself that is apparently unique to the VX.

I have been using some of the part search engine's and have found a few yards across the country that say they have the part I need, but I haven't been able to call them yet to see if this is true. I would drive it in two wheel drive but there are a few factors stopping me. One is that the front end is dang near completely apart, and it would end up costing me more to have them yank the passenger side outer axle AND put the drivers side back together enough for it to be drivable. I really wasn't expecting this expense so I'm trying to get this done for as little dough as possible, but get it done right. The other factor is that we will be getting into winter up here in the mountains fairly soon and I really don't want to try and wrestle that short little wheel base through the snow. The TOD has saved my bacon MANY times in the winter so I'd rather have it than not.
I gotcha on the snow thing. Although I think of the thousands of RWD vehicles that do just fine in the snow
The length CANNOT be different. All of the frames and ball joints are the same. If there are only three CV lengths (we have the long, as well as a slew of other ZUs), we have the same frame as everyone else, the passenger CV is exactly the same as others, I have one in to prove it (except the bearing and tulip size), same spline count, that means the drivers side has to be the same length. If I had more time, or was closer to Joe D, I would prove it and become a millionaire on VX parts...HA HA HA HA HA (in ominous voice). As for the labor, dude, just do it yourself, it really isn't hard, and the feeling of satisfaction when you are done is worth more than any mechanic's bill. Between the diff drop write up, and my CV/ any other CV write up. Its a no brainer. I even include exactly what tools you need. This is a 100% driveway job.
I know mechanic work can be scary, but find a friend that can help, print out the how tos and go for it. Save a ton if cash at the same time, and learn about your car.