First off, sorry for the long post, just trying to draw a clear picture.

I just bought a 1998 blazer ls from a coworker, who claimed it was previously mechanic owned (which is usually my first flag the I should stay away). I should mention my coworker had only driven about 5km after buying the blazer from the mechanic and then developed a problem with his leg preventing him from using the clutch. Which is why he sold to me.

About 1km away from his place, I noticed a clunking noise from the passenger side. I pulled over and a quick inspection revealed the cv axle had come out of the ?tube? I pushed it back in. No more noise. I got home and rechecked, out again.

A little research here told me not to be gentle, and to make sure it locks into the retaining ring. Inspected again, ring still there, ok, cool. After wrestling for 4 hrs on my back in the parking lot of my apartment, I managed to get it mostly in, but not sure if it locked.

Drove it to a friends house with a garage about 70km away, still in place, but working its way out. Wrestled a little more, feeling like I was really having to "stretch" the joints to get it in. Finally got it. Ok, cool. Since I hadn't tested the 4x4 yet because of the issue, and not wanting to risk damage, I figured, it's a good time now.

Locked into 4x4, good. Sounded "loud" while moving. Drove about .5km down the road, and hear a sound like something bouncing off the undercarriage.

Turned around and parked, and once again inspected, fearing the axle had popped out again. Cup still firmly attached to ?tube?. But the boot is torn. "Must have torn it trying to force the axle in" I say to myself.

Inspect a little closer, and find at the cv joint has completely pulled out of the cup, and no longer has bearings. That explains the shrapnel sound. (I know bearings WERE there prior, because I found one of them laying in the grease puddle on the ?swing arm?)

The joint is currently about the same distance from the cup as the cup shaft length that goes into the tube. (1 1/2"-2")

Now for question period:

1) should there be that much tension on the joints that it feels like they are having to stretch to be in place?

2) is it possible that "the mechanic" previous owner put the wrong axle in? (My coworker mentioned that the previous "mechanic" owner had done some cv work after I told him of the original issue)

3) how can I check to see if I have the right axle for the setup without knowing what previous mods have been done? Is there a measurement that can be done?

Any help is welcomed and appreciated.

Leon.