Just got back for a short drive with the wagon, and WOW! It’s a different car with new ball joints and the front suspension raised an inch. No more “darting”, no more bottoming on the bump stops, and the speedometer reads 54 with the GPS on a steady 55! I couldn’t be happier, it’s great, and well worth the time and expense of swapping rear axles.
And the old axle? Going to the recycler on Monday with a load of other scrap metal, it’s spring cleaning time!