Especially strange given that the pinion shaft itself seems to be the same based on the same oil seals. And the gearing itself is the same as well.

Your MS donor was not 3.5L if it was leaf sprung, I believe. They must have decided to beef up the splines for the added power of the 3.5L...???


Big Truck: 00, 3.5, Endeavor, 5-Spd drive line in hand!
Little Truck: 87, 2.6T I/C, MT, LSDs, Tonneau Top
Her Truck: 03, 3.8, 20th Anniv, 65k
Daughter's: 06 Eclipse, Keeping it Mitsu!
FSMs: MitsubishiLinks.com