Tim, my friend had a driveaxle rebuilding shop, and I can safely say that
rebuilt axles from discount flappers are a waste of money.  I'm talking low
end/reused/questionable parts passed off as "rebuilt".  And one thing I have
learned from experience, not all CV boots are equal.  Remans use the bottom
of barrel.  Of course, there is a thousand miles between us, and maybe
things are different where you are.  I hope so.

-----Original Message-----
From: Tim Smith <smitht@UNB.CA>
To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Date: Thursday, April 23, 1998 8:28 PM
Subject: 90 Syncro Westy clunker

>Hi Syncronauts,
>
>Just a note, after I lost the front outer CV on my Syncro, choices were a
>UAP/NAPA complete axle, "lifetime limited warranty" at $163 Cdn+core or a
>nice fresh Lobro outer at $324Cdn, so I took the UAP special. The "limited
>warranty" says as long as the boots aren't torn and it's not used for
>off-road nor trailering. Sheez, life's just no fun if you respect the
>warranty. Old joint had broken up the cage, then beat the crap out of the
>bearing surfaces. Beyond rebuilding in my books.
>
>Anyhow.... quality wise an 'econo' rebuild.  Only checked out the inner
>joint, it was ungreased but they included 90g. of UAP moly.  Bearing
>surfaces were 'honed' out to take larger balls, as expected. Hone must have
>been made from a chunk of old sidewalk, definately not a polished bearing
>surface, more like 80 grit sandpaper. Outer boot was cheapo rubber, not the
>HD polyurethane jobbie. We'll see how it takes Syncro life. "if you go out
>in the woods today you're in for a big surprise...."  no off road eh? hah!
>
>bye, Tim