Need Help... CV/axle question

[SilverBullet75]

Hi,
Need to know if the front CV axles (cv to cv) are identical left and right.
Napa has them in stock for $87 each, but they are listed as Right side on the part description.
I measured both shafts and they are both 19.75" long.
I was going to just put new boots on, but then found that the cvs are pitted badly and overheated/melted/rubbed/pooled (I hope that's a good enough description).
I know about the Empi's being ok, but has anyone had experience with Napa shafts?
These are new, not rebuilt.
part number: 94-6029
I did a search, but couldn't find this specific info.
Also, I ordered cv boots from Napa and they are Empi brand, relabled for Napa.
So, hoping the cv shafts are Empi too...

Also, if the shafts are not correct, can the CV's be swapped to the original shafts?
Thank you for any help!
---JIM---

[89Vette]

Edit: Retracted all statements if/until I'm forced to do my own setup. Since I've heard conflicting information, I am umwilling/unable to provide reliable feedback.

[SilverBullet75]

oh, i forgot to mention that i'm not replacing the green cups. I know the cup-shaft lengths are special.

Does that help/change things?

[VXorado]

Its an easy install, the half shafts are identical but the jack shafts (inner green cup) are side specific. So yes, order two half shafts with the same part # if you need to replace both sides.

With EMPI, I was not able to swap the CV to the OEM half shaft. Not sure about NAPA.

[SilverBullet75]

Thank you!!!!!!!!!
That's exactly what I needed.

Heading for Napa in 20 min.

[Vendetta]

I wish I spoke whatever language that is.

[SilverBullet75]

Believe me... I had to have a crash course in it. It's all about necessity.

[VXorado]

I wish I spoke whatever language that is.

Wait until you grenade a CV, then you'll learn it all too well...

[Vendetta]

I'm starting to feel the relief of not being bi-lingual now. Thanks fellas!

[FenderBender]

I just put a PS shaft (A1-Cardone) on the DS with no problems. From what i researched both are the same but very few places list them that way.
Good luck, it's not a bad job to do. But I now want to do other shaft and all the ball joints.

[Ldub]

Good luck, it's not a bad job to do. But I now want to do other shaft and all the ball joints.

This is not a moment, this is a moment...

Why?...because you have the ability to $ave untold amounts of $$$ by doing it yourself. And when done, the feeling of accomplishment is something that couldn't be bought by the riche$t man in the world......

Wrench on my VX Bros & Sistrz...

[Triathlete]

My Empi shafts have held up well to the abuse I have subjected them to.
For those curious...I enquired at the local Isuzu dealer the cost of replacing both shafts (they would use oem) and it was $1600! And that was like 5-6 years ago.

[SilverBullet75]

Ok, I just got back from Napa.

I am really optimistic!
They look great! The cup side splines are not right, but hopefully that won't matter, as long as the balls line up.
The outer splines are correct and the length is correct.... so, crossing fingers!!!

I also am repacking the wheel bearings and replaced the rotors front and rear with drilled/slotted R1 Concept rotors and new ceramic pads.... also, new rear parking brake shoes and a good cleaning of the springs and hardware... they were coated with oil from when I flooded the rear diff and pressurized-out the oil/water through the axle seals to the parking brake area.
I'm stoked so far... hopefully done tonight with all!
I'll let you know.

Thank you for all your help and input!

[SilverBullet75]

What type of grease goes on the needle bearing on the inside of the spindle shaft carrier (I have no idea what to call it.)

I'm going to go with wheel bearing grease unless someone says differently.

Actually, now I'm thinking cv grease...since this area is all cv grease related.

NOPE... I think I just found my answer. My Superwinch hubs say to use wheel bearing grease on the hub parts.
I'll do that (again, unless someone convinces me otherwise.)

[89Vette]

Even though I've read a couple posts on this CV halfshaft issue, I don't understand how the left/right (DS/PS) shafts compare. Looking at the Cardone website, they show the DS unit as needing to be sent in for rebuilding -- if that's ever needed.

Here, I'm guessing SilverBullet used a PS unit as repair for the DS.

Are you pulling apart the shafts and piecing old/new together? If so, are you separating at the inner joint to make everything new from the inner joing to the wheel hub?

BTW,,,When you detach the lower hub (4-bolts) does the halfshaft pull right out of a (splined) hub and (splined) differential?