Honestly, I was horrified at first when I cut it. It works out for me. The shaft on the tranny is cheap to replace but think how much time you have to engage in repairing it. After I cut it, I installed it to the transfer case before connecting to the chassis. Making sure it works. Mark instructions are so outdated and unclear.
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The Marks instructions are cumbersome. No professional technical writer was involved! Hard to translate Australian!
I will post again after I have more discussion with AA. AA is taking my inquiry seriously. The preliminary AA reply includes that they have not had any reports of problems. It would be reassuring if this spline engagement is sufficient.
But, there is room for more. My transmission is sitting on the shop floor. I have a new 2wd shaft arriving Friday. I will cut that one longer.
My A343 shaft extends 55 mm past the mating surface. The 4L65e cut to 151 extends 32 mm past the mating surface.