front axle shafts

[chuckster]

O.K. guys....first post here. Been peeping on the site for a year or so now. I have a really good question for the DIY folks. First a little background on myself and my X. Bought a 2000 4.4 18 months ago. Really love the vehicle although I have had my share of problems. Got it dirt cheap...at least I think I did....from a friend who had to make a choice between his wife's X or her Escalade. He decided to hold onto the new Escalade and sell me the BMW.
Now my question. Went to replace the front axles today and ran into a bit of a problem. New axles were purchased from Rock Auto which I saw someone post about purchasing some parts from on an earlier post. Chose to start with the passenger side or right side to begin with. Fairly easy procedure with having read several posts on here before. Took about 45 minutes. Drivers side / left side was a different story.
Almost finished the job when I noticed the axle nut did not pull the axle out through the rotor as far as it did on the right side axle. Found that the axle, just beyond the splines was too large to fit into the rotor and seat properly. Had the rotor locked down, would not turn. Went to 2 local parts stores that actually had the axle in stock and they were the same as the new axle from Rock Auto. Had to re-install the old axle until I can figure out what kind of beast I am dealing with.
I put a micrometer on the area that goes in the rotor assembly and on the old axle it measures 2.33 in. and on the new axles the same area measured 2.55 in.
Any help/suggestions/advise/or offers would be greatly appreciated.
Also, no disrespect to Rock Auto. Their service is great and very timely. I think I just happen to have something unusual, maybe.
Thanks for any help!
Chuck

[jst2878]

Depending on the year, pre 4/00 have smaller splines. Check with an experienced parts sept to find your needs

[chuckster]

I guess what I need now is to find out how to find the correct part number for the pre 04/00 front left axle. Might end up having to go to the local stealer to get it.

[sasquatch]

What brand axles did you buy? I'm getting ready to replace the front axles on my 2002 4.4L and bought EMPI brand via Partsgeek. They appear to be the correct size/fit.

[Nik]

RealOem.com That's where you find part numbers.
jst2878, are there any other parts you know that differ on a pre 4/00? When I search sites It doesn't differ from 00-03, If they do, there is no month specified or anything.

[chuckster]

O.K., my bad here. Just as Bryan at Rock Auto informed me, if I had looked a little farther down the page, I would have seen the axle with the desription "pre 04/00". Went ahead and ordered the correct axle for the drivers side and will do the install when I can get some time off of work. The axles I purchased from Rock Auto are AUP/Automotive Undercar Products. The splines were the same pre and after 04/00. the difference was in the diameter of the outside of the outside CV that recesses into the hub.