I have not personally seen the damaged axle shaft, but the damage was described to me as a mushroomed end, due to someone having beaten on the axle to remove the hub and then a grinder was taken to it to remove enough of the end threads to get the nut started back on the axle. The threads that are left only extend half way into the nut, not safe. So, welding the axle and re-cutting the threads is my only option, unless someone has an axle needing a new home on my Tiger. The shop I took my rear end to is well regarded and was recommended to me by a couple people on this forum. The problem is that the shop that he takes axles to be repaired can't do the repair because the machine they use is broken and awaiting parts. It's already been a month for a 2 day gear swap job. Thank you for telling me about the woodruff and pin hole. I presume that the professionals involved would know to note the location of the woodruff and pin hole, but I will be sure to pass that information along to the shop re-gearing my diff.