Options regarding a failed rear U-Joint

[_r2h]

A few quick questions regarding a failed rear U-Joint on my 87 325i manual. I've researched my options regarding this and this is what I've come up with so far.

1) Buy a reman from Pelican, Driveline of Portland, Tuner, Bimmerworld, etc.
2) Find a solid used shaft from a junkyard.
3) Replace the back half of the shaft with a junked auto/manual and get a rebalance.

1) Seems like a great option, especially, because it seems as a lot of the remans are rebuildable unlike an OE shaft. Downside is price.
2) Is great option because the are cheap. Downside is finding one, as a lot of junked e30s around here are autos.
3) If possible could make number 2 a whole lot easier.

In regards to number 2, which shafts are swappable between models?

Autos and manuals definitely use a different forward half, but what about the rear half? They appear very similar.

Are swaps between e30s and e36s possible?

Thanks for any input fella and gals. :D

[Teaguer]

Only real option is to find a good used d-shaft or buy a reman/rebuilt one.
Big price difference between the two obviously. :D

Any and all 5-speed 325 "i" model will work. So that means 325i, 325is & 325ic.
Should be easy enough to source.

[jlevie]

A used drive shaft is a real roll of the dice. I've done that four times and in three of the cases I had to replace the drive shaft with a reman from Drive Line Services of Portland in less than six months. Except in an emergency, I don't think I'll do that again. Yeah a rebuilt is more pricey, but they work and continue to work for a long time. Option three has that risk as well and the problem of finding a shop that can re-balance the drive shaft.

[_r2h]

I guess an reman it is then. Anyone know which venders use sealed UJoints per chance? I'd like to not have to mess with lubing them.

[jlevie]

My favorite vendor of rebuilt drive shafts is Drive Line Services of Portland.

[_r2h]

Do they use greaseable u-joints? I think I would rather sealed joints. The car probably isn't going to see high mileage though, as it's being prepped for stage rally.

[jlevie]

Yes the joints have zerk fittings.