There are two versions of this shaft that go with the aluminum gear box. One shaft has the thrust collar retaining pin hole 3 3/16" from the worm gear end of the shaft and this one has it 3 3/8" back (see photo). The difference is the location of the retaining pin in the thrust collar. I'm assuming the older version has the pin align with recesses in the thrust collar and the newer one the pin actually goes through a hole in the thrust collar. This shaft uses the latter. My original shaft was the former so I had to purchase the thrust collar to match. But the shaft itself is excellent. And if you have the old version you'll haveto replace the thrust collar.
This is a good affordable way to fix your auger gear housing IF your main steel worm gear shaft isn't damaged. I've done quite a few, and have only had one where the worm gear (main) shaft wasn't reuseable. Just make sure all bushings are in good condition, too. Be aware that a special gear lubricant is needed that's rated for bronze & steel. Happy snow blowing!
The part fit perfectly. This is as good or better than the factory supplied part - actually I'd say it's better since the factory no long supplies this part. Without this gear and this producer my snow blower would be trash and I'd be buying a new one. This part saved me thousands of dollars.Check out the pictures of the old and new gears.