replacement cv axle more 'robust' then old, ok to install?

[dbus]

Help me out guys!!

Bought a reman axle at Napa to install on my 94 legacy, MT FWD. When I got the old one out and compared it to the remanufactured axle, i noticed that the old axle was much less robust in the joint area.

The reman's joints are both about 3.25 inches in diam and the old one is about 3 inches in diam. I called NAPA to verify that the box I was given had the correct number per their computer and it was. Of course some lackey could have put the wrong axle in the box I suppose but then I'd have to wait while a new one was ordered to come in....can't do that.. Need the Subie for work on Monday.

I peeked at the left side axle and it's 3 inches across like the one I just removed. So, Did I get the wrong part from NAPA??? Is it OK to use a larger diameter cv joint one one side then what's on the other???

The length is the same so it should fit fine, I'm just wondering if the differences will cause a vibration or mess up the differential at all?? Any ideas or help would be great.

[rallyak]

I've used all the different aftermarket axles and sum are larger in the drive axle to the cv, but they have all worked just fine with no issues.

[dbus]

back again folks, well I chickened out and took the remanufactured axle back to Napa and picked up a new(as in not remanufactured) axle from O' Reilly's. It doesn't look like the boots are very substantial but the cv joints themselves were the correct size so..... we'll see, cause that sucker is installed!

I also replaced the differential stub seal and the o-ring inside stub cover and I installed a new dust seal in the inside of the front hub. So hopefully, I'm sett for another 60K miles or so. For me that would be about 4-5 years of driving. By then the car will be 23 years old and have about 250,000 miles Hard to believe.

this "new" axle supposedly has a life time warranty.

[mike-tracy]

The FWD legacys got beefier axles from the factory. I think having one side unbalanced (ie. larger than the other) would be not so great, so I think you did the right thing by swapping for a matching one.