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I have begun rebuilding the D25 front axle off my 51' M38. When taking the knuckle assemblies and axle shafts apart, I was surprised to find bendix joints. My understanding was that bendix and zseppa (sp?) joints were phased out in favor of spicer joints sometime in the CJ2A - 3A era.

Are bendix joints stock on all M38s?

I have noticed aftermarket axle shafts for the D25 with spicer joints. Are bendix joints problematic? Should I consider swapping?

Thanks in advance for any info.

The Bendix and Rzeppa (Pronounce Cheppa) are available early with threaded outboard ends and later with snap clip retained outboard ends. Spicer showed up in the 50's. All three work quite well. The drawback for the Bendix and Rzeppa are parts availability. The drawback for the Spicer is an increased turning radius. In good servicable condition all three will serve you well. Use caution when folowing the service manual on axle/hub assembly. The procedure varies for threaded and unthreaded and between brands.

No, you should not think about changing your axles if there is nothing wrong with what you have.
Bencix and Rzeppa were installed on the M38. If your Bendix axles are showing deep grooves in the sockets you may want to consider looking at another set. Rzeppa axles are available NOS from the vendors and if you find a set of used Rzeppas there are rebuilding kits available for the joints.

If you change axle styles be sure to re-adjust the turn-stop bolts. The specs are in the manuals.

Tom