Here are two axles for the same 1999 Bravada at Orielly. I is rebuilt and costs 89.00 + 75 core. The other is new and cost 129 and no core. They are the same name brand. Other than being rebuilt and one being new, along with a core charge there is a huge difference between them. Note that both contain the same items. One states half shaft- but they both are simply a twin replacement.

I will post a little later this morning the difference. For some- it might be very significant.

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/se...999&vi=1356869

The difference is the rebuilt axle is made in Mexico by Cardone, the new one is made in China by ???? The significance to be is just because one see'* the same name brand for the same part- in this case they are different manufacturers. Cardone claims they are a engineering firm and make improvements in the products they rebuild over OE. I chose the rebuilt in Mexico by Cardone over the new made in China with the expectation the rebuilt may be over better quality.

BTW- Oreilly wants 89.99+ 75 for the core for the rebuilt, the same exact one at Rock Auto is 53 + 10 for the core. I guess Oreilly is making a market hoping customers do not return cores. I my casde I brought the core with me when I purchased the replacement.

True. And anything from China isn't really new anyway. The majority of steel parts from China are melted down/recast recycled iron/steel to begin with.

My Bonneville has been running a China GSP axle for a couple years now. There'* two modes...coast and holy smoking balls. So far the axle has given me no troubles. I figured at $60 new, it would be a piece of junk.

If you can, try and find an axle from a Blazer ZR2. The rear axle is a couple inches wider than the non-ZR2. You'll also have to get the matching driveshaft/springs etc. Those are MY future plans at upgrading.