More on CV Joints (archive)

Thanks for the help on the CV Joints. The advice was excellent. Interestingly, they do come apart, but they are a real puzzle to put back together! A couple of questions:

1. On one side, I have the original joints and half shaft. The joints themselves are a "flat" cylinder. In other words, the inside diameter is the same as the outside diameter. On the other side, I had to replace the joints and halfshaft because I broke a bearing race by using too much force to remove the halfshaft. I got a used replacement from Paul at Max. This one has CV joints that are tapered. In other words, the outside diameter is slightly wider than the inside. The outside features a lip, which goes over the driving flange on one side and the differential on the other. In all other respects, it's the same. Is it ok to mix and match this way? I have heard that balance is critical.

2. I noticed that on only one joint, there was a concave washer on the inside. This washer was not found on all the other joints. I think it is supposed to be a retaining washer on the inside of the joint, opposite the circlip. Since there was only one, I left it off. Is this washer critical, and should I put it back in and find three others?

Thanks for the help!!

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