How do I tell the difference between the half shafts from a N/A vs. the halfshafts from a TII? I was told there are different. I bought a pair thinking they were the same and I don't know what type of 2nd Gen they came from.

 

Its hard to tell the difference, unles you have the two too compare next to each other

But the T2 versions use different splines and the U joints are bigger.

 

Uh, no, they dont. IF they did, na--> t2 conversions wouldnt be possible, as the hub spline pattern would differ also.

UH, not that I can see, and I have sets of both sitting beside each other downstairs in a pile.

The only difference between the two is length. Visually, they look identical, other than the length.

NA halfshafts are longer than t2 halfshafts by about an inch. If you need actual measurements, I can make them for you to figure out what you have. IF you go to use them on the wrong type of rearend though, youll figure out that they wont fit because of the length issue, so its not possible to use wrong ones by mistake. The reason the axles are different lengths is because the rearends are different thicknesses...t2 rears are wider and thicker where the axles bolt on, thus shorter axles to match...

 

Hmm... yep, your right in the splines...I just double checked and looked it up

But the length is adjustable...(anywhere between 24 1/4 inchs to about 25 and 3/4 inchs)... so length isn't right.

 

Sure, length does vary sinve theyre sliding cv joints, but the lengths of the 2 DO differ by an average of an inchor so, at rest or installed. IF need be I can take pics and measurements of all this...an na rear and na axles, and a t2 rear with t2 axles.

****, Ive even tried to do what youre talking about, make na axles work with a t2 rear to save money, but it just aint gonna happen, they wont collapse that far. Besides, even if they did expand/collapse that far as you say, you'd be runnign dangerously. Either youre running the risk of shaft/bearing damage because the joint is sitting in too far and hitting the back of the axle plate/flange, or theyre extended out too far and about to fall out of the joint totally. Theyre designed to be adjustable as you say because as the suspension travels up and down so does the joint travel in and out, but if you go and change that travel *allowance* that the factory set then youre gonna have a big problem real quick when something hits something else, or something breaks/falls out of place.

 

Thanks for all the info guys, I appreciate it. If someone could measure the length of the shafts, I would appreciate it. That way I can measure mind and see which type I have.

 

At rest, on the floor, both joints straight, a t2 axle measures 24.5" and a NA axle 25" even, so there is 1/2" per axle difference, just enough to make them non-interchangeable.

 

Thanks a bunch man, I appreciate it.