i just cut down a C body housing to the 52 5/8 lengths
the housing started life with a 741 but it blew up.
so i installed a 742 case.

i have the c body axles as well. I resplined them myself at work and cut one shaft to 27 11/16 (measured from the outside of the flange to the tip of the splines) and the other one i left long. I went to make a trial fit to be sure i did it right (first time)

i installed both axles and tightened them down and the axle i cut down to 27 11/16 has endplay of about .250. It is sloppy.

did i mess this up already? I dont think the short axle even bottoms out in the case.

27 11/16" is correct if you're using the original brakes but when using the B, C, E body brakes the axles need to be 28" long.

plan is to use the C-body brakes because they are available and i have the backing plates with the housing.

however the axle should still seat down tight and not have so much slop.

something i am missing?

A-body 5 x 4 1/2" conversion axles for use with green bearings and OEM tapered bearings should measure 28".

Shorter axles will not adjust properly and/or will compromise spline engagement when used with early sure-grips.