OK. After weighing all the options, I decided to go ahead and install the aftermarket slightly-smaller-than-factory Axle assemblies from Autozone (without the inline housing).

I figure at $80 a pop, and only 2.5 hrs of work per side, it was worth the risk of installing them just to see how long they last. So far, they are working fine, however, after a week or so of driving, some noise has finally surfaced. It's not very loud (gets mostly covered by road noise), but it sounds like one of the those old-school spinning noise makers for ballgames, etc.

The folks at Cordone (the actual manufacturer of the refurbs) say that they've never had a complaint, or even been told about the difference in size. I expect that's because the VX ain't like *exactly* like the myriad of other cars this axle is meant for. Well, they know now.

I'll let everyone know if it gets any louder, or if they break. I'll play guinea pig here

-Mike