Make sure the splines fit before you swap out the retainer plate and press the bearing on over it. D'oh.

I picked up a new axle for one side of my '68 and the splines were not cut deep enough. Maybe whatever they use to cut the splines was worn out.

The sticker on the flange end said "Sierra"
It had an '84' stamped on the splined end.


The vendor I purchased from was very good. They verified that their other 'Sierra' brand axles would not fit (they also sell differentials).
They had a more expensive brand in stock, and physically verified for me that it would fit before shipping it out.

They are overnighting the part for the same price, but I do have to pay up front and wait to get credited when the bad one is returned... and the car is down for 2 days instead of 2 hours.

I'd like to think they will inform the first manufacturer and the problem will be rectified, but until then, any of these axles still in stock elsewhere might have the same problem.