Well, got a lot deeper into this POS M20 axle. Trying to sort out axle shaft lengths to get replacements, I popped the cover back off to pull the pig and check the splines inside on the long side that spun.

Wanted to check wear pattern before I pulled it out to see if It needed to be reset when I put it back in ... But I found a WHOLE lot worse when I got in there other, than a bad wear pattern ...

Not a lot of toe engagement

Which probably caused this ... One side of the pinion crown - -

The other side :smile:

There were no chunks in the oil or stuck to the plug - where'd they go?? :-|

Here's the run down ...
Option 1)

IF I can find the missing pieces ... by tearing down the Detroit 🙁:
new ring and pinion (4.56)
all new bearings and seals
2 new shafts (if I can figure out the real length I need)
the tubes have been welded and ground in several places

Or Option 2)

not restore the 88 (looking like at least $6 large for that and I can by one cheaper in better shape and build it for that!! :-| )
pull the axles and use the those
install the spring over perches (now or later?)
put the disc brake setup on them
hopefully NOT have a spun shaft (but at least I know the make and year on this one)
get the replacement 4.56's to go with the tires
still need to replace the lockers :smile:
Put the bad axles under the waggie with the old carrier, and
sell the other parts before dumping to a recycle yard
and get some of the $$ back from it

Either way I'm pissed I spent a bunch of $$$ for and on this frigg'n POS already - and it hasn't even left the shop!!! Now what's the best option to get the CJ running?

Pat