New GSP axles @ Rock Auto...

[neonsport]

I'd been giving a lot of thought to which new axles I wanted to buy, basically Empi vs. GSP. Although I haven't seen them side by side, I suspect they're made from components from the same suppliers. Yesterday morning, I ran the GSP part numbers through Google, and when I saw the prices at Rock Auto, my decision was made. $111.92 for the pair, shipped. I placed my order yesterday, and they were in my hands by lunch today. This is my first time buying from Rock Auto, and I'm impressed.

BTW, although I haven't installed them yet, these axles are beautiful. The machining and finish are impressive, and they came with the seal rings on the outer joints. New nuts are included as well, but not cotter pins (I've never understood that one). If it quits raining this afternoon, I'll get them in and see if their performance matches their appearance.

[ARCHINSTL]

Well - the pricing is certainly different! The thread below states that the Advance price was $176 (plus tax) for the pair. And the $112 includes freight and no tax!
Does the DS come with the damper?
Please keep us advised on the ease of installation and results.
viewtopic.php?t=2847&highlight=gsp
Thanks,
Tom M.

[neonsport]

Well, they're in, and smooth as silk. The splines are tighter than any reman I've ever installed. Of course, they haven't been worn out by installation in a few different cars, either. The tighter splines seem to have eliminated the majority of the clunk I was having at takeoff. I'm sure there's some slop in the ring and pinion as well, but the difference is amazing.

There's no damper on the driver's axle, but I haven't seen one on the majority of remans. I've been driving about 42k miles a year, mostly at 75-80 mph, and have never noticed any ill effects from not having a damper. What with rotating and balancing my tires every 5k, the old Tercel is just waaaay smooth on the highway.

BTW, aside from the tight splines, there were no surprises. The driver's side took 15 minutes, and 20 for the passenger side. Now to see how well they hold up.

[splatterdog]

The price from rock auto was too good for me to resist(58 shipped). Ordered 4:30 yesterday, got it by 3:00 today(impressive!). Just did the drivers side temporarily on the parts car. I have felt the silk! Of course I was going from a shaft that throbbed at the slightest bit of torque, especially turning. I did give Advance a chance. Closest one is 20 minutes away and I had to force the salesman to look up the new axle. $35 more after tax and at least a week away. Sorry guys.

Here's some pics of the old shaft side by side

[neonsport]

Same with me. The closest Advance is about a half-hour away, and the salesman who looked up the nex axle said it would have to be ordered from the manufacturer and would likely take upwards of 2 weeks to arrive. While I like the idea of having a brick and mortar store to deal with, how would that situation work out if I ever needed a warranty replacement?

I find it strange that Advance doesn't list the new axles on their website. The guy at the Advance I checked with seemed genuinely surprised when he found the listing. If I hadn't had the part number from Advance to use in a Google search, I never would have found the price at Rock Auto.

There's nothing quite as pretty as brand new parts...

[takza]

Just did the drivers side temporarily on the parts car. I have felt the silk! Of course I was going from a shaft that throbbed at the slightest bit of torque, especially turning.

Sounds like my rebuilt A-1 Cardone that had been tumbled way too long...in summer it does this under WOT in 3rd. Maybe 20K on it.

Those axles look like they have some new parts on the ends?

A problem with Rockauto is that outside Minn...the shipping can surprise you a lot?

[splatterdog]

They are supposed to be 100% new units. Put mine to a better test today. Did an all out attack on an uphill cloverleaf and the only bad sounds were the tires at their limit and no vibes. Naturally overall performance has also increased with the smoother joints. Might even get some mileage in my case.

[shogun]

they look really nice ill order a pair, and see how long it takes them to get over here

[keith]

I hate to say it but they look better than the EMPI's and cheaper too. I still like my EMPI's though.

[shogun]

where did you find them ??? ive looked all over the catalog and cant seem to fnd them

[splatterdog]

Got my GSP from rockauto.com Enter the catalog and follow the drop down menu till you get to drivetrain/cv halfshaft assy.

[neonsport]

I got a 5% off code via email from Rock Auto yesterday. If anybody gets ready to pull the trigger on a set of these axles, hit me up and I'll forward the code.

[mcenter]

I ordered set of GSP's yesterday and they arrived today. Rock Auto was QUICK!! They shipped from Memphis, TN and got to Alma, AR overnight! I tried to PM neonsport for the %5 but it didn't work out. The total was only $120.32

Now if I can just find time to put then in.

[Mac]

those axles look really good.

too bad i got the fenco's (mind you that was about 2 years ago i replaced mine)

[El SR6]

I've replaced front axles on about 5 or 6 different Subarus, ranging from 1980-1995, so I'm pretty comfortable with the whole process. Is there anything different I should know for a Tercel?