UPDATE: The AUTOZONE replacement CV axles (WITHOUT the CUP) are indeed much smaller than the original stock. According to my caliper, the complete INNER BEARING assembly is more than 1/8" smaller in diameter from outer edge of one bearing to the outer edge of the bearing 180 degrees across from it. That's after compressing the both assemblys in the comparison inward as much as possible so slack wouldn't skew the result.

That's pretty significant. I don't think I want to put that in the stock cup. My guess is that it would eat itself within a year. If anyone has experience using smaller aftermarket bearings in the cup, I'd like to know how long it's lasted you.

Now, to my idea of simply replacing the bearing on the end of the shaft. Well, that's out. The rebuilt Autozone shaft has a 25 (approx) tooth spline on the inner bearing end. The stock shaft has a 33 (approx) tooth spline. So you can't interchange them. Why they are different, considering these are rebuilds is beyond me. My best guess is that they are rebuilds from a Trooper or something.

So... does anyone besides Autozone sell just the CV Axle without the cup? ie: with a Rzepper joint, not a Tripod?

thanks
Mike