So I'm in the process of doing alot of much needed maintenance on my 99 obs. Next on my list is replacing the now clicky (is that a word? Lol!) pass front axle. I've scoured the interweb and searched here, but can't seem to fond a recent review on any parts store axles. I know that OEM is best, and behind that is reman OEM, raxles, mwe, or used OEM. If I have to, I will purchase one of the aforementioned options, but in then interest of saving some funds, are there any parts store axles worth a shot? If so, which ones are the lesser of the evils? I've heard the Napa remans are decent, but not in any recent reviews. Thanks for all your help!

You can try FW Enterprises which is run by Marshal Wolf who used to own MWE. 

 

The sad thing is that they don't have a web site and they are closed until next year but he does have a Facebook page. 

I have had 2 in mine from NAPA for many miles, only downside was one didn't come with a dust shield around the inner stub side (I swapped from my old), and another I had to bring back and swap because the roll pin holes wouldn't line up in either of the 2 possible orientations (and usually only one of those 2 work, I know).

My Advance unit was a Carquest CV joint, I figure they are all coming from the Orient now anyway, I didn't check this one out for place of origin.  $50 with discount.  South End auto up in Lyndonville, VT was getting under $100 installed, which is dirt cheap with all the hassles.

Edited December 23, 201510 yr by ThosL

I was leaning toward the Napa remans anyways. Good to hear someone has had good luck w them.

I was also considering the Heri axles, but have heard that availability is a problem, as well as them pulling apart.

Most of my subies I used napa remans. Never had a problem, and they're fairly cheap

Edited December 24, 201510 yr by golucky66

There is a company called Empire that used to be EMPI.  EMPI was an aftermarket aircooled VW parts maker.  They are good quality joints.. available on amazon under EMPI still.

Empi is no longer in business they were taken over by USA axels. That being said you can still get old warehouse stock alot of the time. I just bought a set for my Subaru about a year and 10,000 miles ago and have had zero issues.

 

I'm also fairly hard on axels as well

Edited December 24, 201510 yr by mikaleda

If worried, try and score something that has a warranty offered. Within the past 3 months, had 2 batteries go completely dead. One was around 1.5 years old (had a 3 year warranty) and other was around 2 years old (5 year warranty). Considering how expensive batteries are nowadays due to lead scrap prices, having warranties made a world of difference.