Halfshaft rear axle spline sizes series3 88"

It all started with a very big lurch forward and then horrible graunching noise:wtf: turns out the nut holding the drive flange to the front of the diff has sheared off the bevel pinion. I just happened to have a spare front axle so checked the parts book and it seems the front and rear diffs are interchangeable. Put the replacement diff in (f***ing heavy when lieing on back and trying to get it back on the studs) but the halfshafts wont push back in. Felt carefully for the spline position and tried some gentle force but still no joy. Measured the shaft spline diamater with a vernier caliper and they are the same as the ones that came out of the front axle and there are the same number of splines. The splines on the front halfshafts seem to have a slightly squarer section whereas the ones I am trying to fit look slightly more beveled.
What a pillock not offering them up when all the parts were off the vehicle.:doh:
So do series 3 rear halfshafts come with different spline sizes and shapes???
I think I have proved they do but before i take the diff out again is there an expert out there that can confirm I need different rear halfshafts to fit.
Thanks
Berni109

There are different ones have a look here
search results for "halfshaft" | L. R. Series

forgot... welcome to loonyzone

Thanks for the reply - but I think both diffs are 1983 vintage.
Both diffs came off the same 1983 series3 ie. the original axles.
I replaced the complete front axle which is why I had the original front diff as a spare to replace the rear one thats now knackered. So they should be the same but is there any way to tell from the outside (stamped numbers?).
Any more ideas?

Diff end of series halfshafts should all be the same, the wheel end differs. Where there are differences they are very different, a quick glance job, not a measure.

Sounds like your gonna have to take the diff ouy again, then you can try the shafts in the diff on the bench, maybe theres some burrs on the shaft or the diff getting in the way.

Thanks for the advice dr pepper.
once it was all out on the bench I could see some slight ware ridges on the inward end of the splines. quick adjustment with a mill file and it fits but its still tight.
Now just need a rest before trying to lift the bloody diff back in.
Bern.

Well at least they fit, are they tight all the way in, or is there a point where they settle and loosen up, its gonna be a bugger to rebuild it on the vehicle if they are tight.

All back together and working fine again.
anyone want a diff to rebuild.

How many splines and whats the ratio.