Mark,� I can't say for sure with your axle situation, but when I replaced the worn axle assemblies (that is, axle, 2 CV joints, 2 boots) recently on my 85 2 WD manual tranny Vanagon, the new (but rebuilt by GoWesty) ones were indeed shorter than what I had just removed.� I never actually laid them side by side, new and old, but when I did the install they appeared also to be about 0.5 inch shorter.� The old ones were flush with their appropriate mounting surfaces but the with the new ones, there was definitely a gap.� I attributed it to the new rubber boots kinda pulling things together by about 0.25 inch per boot.� I had to "stretch" the CV joints and boots into position a little.� Anyway, all went together just fine and although I only have about 500 miles on them, all is working smooth as a whistle.

Rich
85 Vanagon
San Diego

--- On Thu, 2/4/10, Mark McCulley <markmcculley@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

From: Mark McCulley <markmcculley@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: discrepancy in rear axle length
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Date: Thursday, February 4, 2010, 5:36 AM

I'm in the process of installing a pair of new rear half axles in my '87
syncro. I purchased the axles (with CVs) years ago from Bus Depot
and squirreled them away until now. I believe they were sold as OEM NOS but
I can't be sure about that at this point. Anyway, it turns out the axles
themselves are about 0.5" shorter than the original axles. Now I'm wondering
if I have the correct part. Anyone have a similar experience with new (not
rebuilt) half axles?

-Mark