axle length

[RodnRudy]

I have a friend who has a 51 Chevy truck with a 55 Chevy car rear end in it.
It has an open carrier but has axles from a rear with a posi. He thinks the axles are different lengths from an open to a posi rear. I say they're the same length. Who's right?
He's got a seal leaking and thinks the axle length has something to do with that.
Thanks in advance for any responses.

[solidaxel]

The posi axles will be shorter

[mphudak]

Posi axles are shorter, however only by 1/8". You can easily grind of a 3/32-1/8" per shaft and it will work fine.

[RodnRudy]

Thanks for answering my question. Now on to the next one.
Should there be an axle seal installed in the housing ahead of the axle bearing? Rock Auto as well as NAPA show one along with the o ring that goes on the outer race of the bearing. If the bearing is greased before installation, it shouldn't need lubed from the rear end lube, correct? If the new bearing is a sealed unit it wouldn't need any more lube in my estimation and if an older style ball bearing is used the bearing grease would be sufficient.