Should I get the entire axle or just the shafts?

[gte901m]

One of the local junkyards has an '83 chero wide track, 6 cylinder, auto. I was going to pull the axle shafts for a spare set. I was thinking about just getting the whole thing so I would have a spare set of rotors, calipers, etc. What do you guys think? I know they charge about $80 for the complete axle assembly. Not sure how much they want for just the shafts.

Are the drive shafts from a 6 cylinder (auto trans) the same length as those on a 360 (auto trans)?

[Lindel]

if $80 is all they're asking, i'd get the whole thing

[bigun]

grab it all

[ricbee]

The axle shafts will be the same length,if they are both wide track,The drive shafts may be different.On the 80's models there were 2 ratios,2:73&3:31,so check the tags for a match.Also that'83 axle most likely has the vac disconnect,make sure your old one does too.Most folks shy away from that system,and go for the solid axle.

[ricbee]

I see on your sig your rig has a 208 transfer case,so you don't have a vac disco axle,if that '83 has a 229 t-case it will have the vac disco axle,and the long shaft won't work for you.Look at the diff cover,the vac disco one has a different shape,and has a vac soleniod on top,looks like a mushroom growing out the top!

[gte901m]

The axle in questions was a solid axle - no disconnects.

I went this morning and pulled the shafts - $42 for the set. I thought about getting the whole thing, but I really don't need another axle in my garage!

I also came home with a manual rear window set up and a set of warn hubs. Not a bad day at the junkyard(s).

[Zorm]

Man!! I'm in need of some complete axles