Chrysler Repair: 87-up powertrains: half-shafts interchangeable?, dodge chrysler, split rubber

Question
Hi Roland,
I was wondering if the same powertrains like engines, transmission, drive shafts etc. were used in all dodge/Chrysler products. like the lebaron, voyager, acclaim,etc. I have a 87 lebaron and the left driveshaft makes a little noise, and I can get a drive shaft of a 88 voyager so I was wondering if this would fit?

Thanks, Menno.

Answer
Hi Menno,
No, the track of the vehicles were not identical, and even within a given vehicle the half-shafts were sometimes several in type so that the half-shafts would be very unlikely to interchange as you describe between models.
If your cv-joint is making noise (usually a clicking sound) it means that is has run low on grease, probably due to a split rubber boot. If you want to save the joint, get a new boot replacement kit which comes with grease, remove the half shaft, separate the joint from the shaft, and put on the new boot and use the grease to refill the joint. This has worked for me quite well. Take a look at both ends of the shaft to see which boot is torn, though it usually is the outer one. If the joint itself is too worn to save, you might find a half-shaft that uses the same joint (though not of the correct length) and remove its joint for substitution on your shaft.
Roland