I recently picked up a pretty dirty/greasy 85' axle. When tearing it apart for a rebuild, I found that the 3rd member has what I would call a fair amount of rust on it. There is also some rust on the long side axle shaft.

I had planned on regearing it later on, but now am not sure how much of it is salvageable.

Would it be worth tearing it apart and cleaning it up or would I be better off just craigslisting a new 3rd in better condition?

Same question goes for the axle shaft. I would think that small amount of rust wouldnt hurt anything? Especially if I was able to clean some of it off.

 

That is just surface rust. I would just give it a good cleaning and go with it. Doesnt appear to be any damage.

 

Looks like it sat a long time. I would try to get every little piece of rust off, if not when it beaks loose the pieces could get in the bearings.