Has anyone ever worn out or bent a Vanagon axle shaft?

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of Helmut Zeidler
Sent: Friday, January 05, 2001 3:19 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: [Syncro] Heavy Duty Rear Axels/CVs (108mm), Factory

Derek Drew wrote:
>
> The part number for the 108mm CV joints, which are the same on either end,
is:
>
> VW: 443 407 331D, LOBRO: 4988

As you read the part number, this CV joint is originally built into
the Audi 100 / A6. For testing purpose (or cheap replacements) get
a set at your local salvage yards. As I heard, the Audi CV joint will
fit the Vanagon axle.

> At this time, we do not have any data suggesting that the above heavy duty
> axels provide any increase in angle of operation. For syncro folks
desiring
> to lift the vehicle a better choice in rear CV joints might be the smaller
> Porsche 930 joints sold by Weddle, which do promise increased range of
> articulation and to not require a swap of Gelenkflansch and Radwelle so
far
> as I know.

Don't do this, the Porsche CV joints a weak part, that's why a lot of
Porsche owners changed to Vanagon CV joints. Take  a look at related
Porsche web sites.

> I happen to have one of these oversize Lobro axels in my garage in
> Washington DC, but have not decided on a course of action pending more
> investigation of the question of maximum operating angle. If it were not
> for this question, it would seem that at replacement time, and with
> suitably inexpensive supply of parts, that the list might want to begin
> installing 108mm rear axels from now on when their 100mm CV joint axels
> wear out.
>
> Rumor had it (unconfirmed) that the South African vans have the 108mm rear
> setup as standard, in which case they have already moved to this sensible
> position and can therefore kick sand in our faces.

I can confirm, that all the South African gearboxes are equipped with the
108mm CV joint mounting flanges. On the wheel side, there are still
100mm flanges.

Regards
Helmut
'80 Vanagaudi