VX compatible drivers side half haft

[Marlin]

I still don't believe that there is anything unique about the VX assembly except the tulip fitting is a TINY bit bigger, and if you are replacing the entire assembly, it shouldn't matter. As a matter of fact it has to be the same. We have the same front diff, hence the fact that the lockers are the same between all the zus. They are all 17 spline outer counts since like 1987 or something. They are the same length, hence I have frankenstein CVs. There are only 3 Zu lengths. So, having said that, I don't know how much merlin knows about these things other than what a computer tells him that the part numbers are different. The VX does have a unique configuration taking the tulip fitting into account.
As for me having a spare, I do, I have 6 CV joints, one consisting of the entire drivers shaft. He already PMed me. I am waiting for the cost for the RCV set, and I will sell all my spares hopefully for enough to cover the cost of a pair of those new ones and I will order another garbage aftermarket one for a trail spare.
I told him to drive it in 2wd and wait a bit. Then I can get him an OEM set if this deal goes through.

[MSHardeman]

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.

[Marlin]

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.

[MSHardeman]

I just don't want to buy/find an axle out of a Trooper and have it be the wrong length and the VX would be down for even longer, and my wallet would be that much lighter. PLUS if the cups/ outer races are different then I'd be screwed there too. Maybe after this is all over I'll find a junk yard somewhere with a Trooper axle, a Rodeo axle and a VX axle and I can do a side by side by side comparison.

I usually do do (HA, I said do do) my own work, but I just don't have the time to do it right now, and I need to have the VX back in service as it is my daily driver.

[Triathlete]

You might try allhundaiisuzu(sp?).com. They probably have all 3 and could compare them. They may also have the shaft you seek.

[MSHardeman]

Another update: Talked to the mechanic and the CV shop in Denver said that they could refurbish my axle, but nobody knows how they do it. The mechanic is calling to see what it is, exactly, that they do because they said that they didn't machine the outer race down and the mechanic said that maybe they cut the outer race off and weld a new one on. WHAT!?! I don't like the thought of that. I mean this is a major drive component and if it is out of balance, or weak in any way then.... BOOM!! That's no good.

As a back-up I found just what I was looking for at a salvage yard in Ohio and they are shipping the entire driver's side axle (from the pumpkin out to the wheel) to me for $120. They say it's in good shape so I figured for that price I would get it here and see what's going on. Depending on what the CV shop does to my axle I may just put the used one in there if it's in good shape.

I also got a PM from BigMeatVX and he found an EMPI axle that should fit the VX just fine (part 87-9442 on this sheet: http://empius.com/cvjoints/cvjoints_pg86.html ), so if NOTHING else works I could easily replace everything with all new EMPI components.

This has been a HUGE P.I.T.A., but it looks like it's finally coming to an end.

NOW, once we get the axle back in we'll see if the noise that started this whole thing is still there, or if this takes care of it.

Does anybody else's head hurt?