[Vwdiesel] driveshaft interchangability

[Johann Koenig]

Just did something really dumb, put my '82 rabbit into a snowbank doing
donuts. From initial inspection, it looks like crumpled lower control
arm and bent halfshaft. I don't imagine the control arm from my '85
golf will fit, but will the halfshaft (driveshaft) fit? Its the
passenger side. Hopefully thats the extent of the damage, but we'll see
when I get it in the garage. I was able to put the spare tire on (175/70
V 185/70, slightly smaller) and drive it the 1/4 mile home. The front
right corner was going up and down, which I'm hoping is associated with
the bent halfshaft, and the tire was just barely rubbing against the
fender (Caught the edge of a snowbank with the tire going head on,
pushing it back and crumpling the control arm, continued into another
bank and compressed the bumper struts (anyone know where to get
replacements?)). I'm hoping the steering rack is okay, but it was doing
weird things on the way home. I just replaced it, and it seems like the
way I hit the car there wouldn't be much force put on the rack.

Thanks for any advice
--
-Johann Koenig