Hey guys. I am new to the forum so if this is posted in the wrong place or has been covered in a different thread, I am sorry. I did attempt to use the search function before posting this question.
I am in the process of replacing the fourwheel drive axle on a 2006 F150 crew with the 5.4 V8. I went to the local NAPA store to order the part. When it arrived, I looks different than the axle that came off the truck. The original axel has a complete round flange that bolts to the front differential. The new part has a flange that is molded or not completely round - see picture below. I returned the first axle they ordered and NAPA ordered a second on that showed a round flange in their computer system. Of course when the next one came, it has the same flange as the first they ordered. The NAPA rep called the factory which swears it will fit and work as well as the OEM part. My concern is that this part may not be as good as the original part from the factory. It will leave areas of the face of the differential exposed for mud to collect on.
Have any of you replaced your CV axle with a part looking like this and were there any issues with it matching up? Will it cause any issues by not having the full flange as the original part, or am I being overly concerned and my OCD just needs to be dropped down a few notches?
Thanks for any info you can provide.

 

I replaced mine a few months back. The factory were round like you stated and the replacements were just like your picture. They lined up fine and seem to be working fine.

 

I guess I should have updated this thread. I am sorry that I forgot. I did install the axle pictured above and it works fine. Now trying to diagnose another issue on the other side. It seems like when I fix one problem, three others show up. I guess this is the price of driving an older truck.