Ballenxj wrote:
You do bring up an interesting possibility, but is a question that would probably best be answered by a drive train specialist.
Excellent recommendation.
For decades, I've relied heavily on Young's Gear and Drivelines in Fairbanks, Alaska. Mostly, they are my primary source for manuals, parts, and supplies for rebuilding automatic transmissions. But, they proven to be the best place for dealing with frustrating repair difficulties.
Case in point: Around twenty years ago, I had to replace the axle shaft in my '90 Ford E150 van due to a failed bearing. Instead of a bearing or race pressed on the axle shaft, Ford 8.8 rear axles rely on a hardened race machined onto the axle shaft.
Most people don't know lighter Ford Econoline vans use a special wide-track version of the Ford 8.8 axle. The axle shaft on one side is the same as all other 8.8 axles. The other side is several inches longer.
Every parts store in town kept insisting what they had in stock was correct. At one place, I wound up talking to the store manager, who became almost violent in repeatedly saying I was wrong. So, brought in the old axle shaft, with the galled bearing surface. He pulled axle shafts for both sides out of stock for comparison. Both of the new axle shafts were noticeably shorter than the shaft I put on the counter. (No need to measure, he could see the difference from ten feet away.)
Finally, I went to Young's Gear. As soon as I described my problem, the guy behind the parts counter said, "Oh, you have the special van version of the 8.8." He turned, walked in back, and came back with the correct axle. Total elapse time between walking in the door and walking out with the correct part was ten minutes ... plus, my cost was less than all the other places wanted for incorrect axle shafts.
(Yes, I wrote the corporation regarding the one manager's ignorance and behavior towards customers.)
Bottom line: Don't put yourself through a lot of frustration and misery. Rely on knowledge and experience ... find and talk to experts. That's what I do. Even if I'm absolutely sure, I still double check with experienced people I know.
