1990 Caravan: Installing new drive axle

[skyzend]

I am just installing a new drive axle and the new axle does not include the damper weight. This is the left side axle (short one).I am sure this weight is necessary to balance both long and short drive axles with the transmission.

The damper weight on the old axle is so corroded that I cannot get the machine bolts out. The hex pattern just turned to powder when I tried to turn it out.

My thoughts were to drill the heads off the machine screws and to separate the damper weight halves by prying them apart. Each half will have the remaining portion of the machine screw sticking out. Then place the threaded part of the remaining screw in a vice and turn the weight off.

Has anyone done this before ... Comments please.

[HiRez_L]

Every time i've done one, it had the damper weight on it. I'd go back to the parts store and tell them they gave you the wrong part.

[skyzend]

The Drive shaft they gave me is the right one just without the damper weight.
The box shows a picture of the shaft with a weight but its just a generic picture.
The shaft is installed on the car now and fits perfectly. I'm not about to uninstall it. I just want to install the damper weight.

I realize that I probably should have teaken it back but I was in dire straights. CV joint was coming apart and I was without a vehicle. I had to get it fixed or stay at home.