I just got a couple of reman front axles for my '87 Gl 4WD but they look too short compared to a cordone part I have in my garage. What is the tip to tail length supposed to be for one of these axles at rest? the ones I just picked up are ~26" & the cordone one is ~27.5"

It may be possible that they ordered you EA81 axles instead of EA82.

The EA82 body style is wider than the EA81 by a few inches.

I would double check with the manufacturer, to make sure you got axles for

a wagon/sedan, instead of a BRAT or hatch.

 

Twitch

"at rest" is not a meaningful measurement. You would have to measure them fully compressed. Other than compressed length, you can't easily tell the EA81 and EA82 axles apart. If you compress them you might find you actually have the same axles. Otherwise follow Twitch's guidelines - he is correct on the EA81's having shorter axles.

 

GD

well, besides that, the bearing carrier & spline section are also different lengths - on the "shorter" axle, the spline is about 1/2" longer than the spline section on the "longer" axle.

Ok, using my non scientific compression and measuring technique

 

Shorter axle compressed: 25.5"

Longer axle compressed: 27"

 

 

Shorter axle bearing carrier length: 2.25"

Shorter axle spline length: 1.5"

 

Longer axle bearing carrier length: 2.5"

Longer axle spline length: 1.25"

I have never noticed a difference in spline length - it may simply be a manufactureing issue and not a difference that matters. The shorter axles are very likely EA81 units. Obviously being shorter they will not fit your car. Take them back.

 

GD