Do used axle shafts have to be installed on the same side as they were removed from? I have my rear end disassembled and overnight someone thought it would be funny to take all my parts and thrown them into the bushes across the street. So now I dont know which axles was originally installed on the left/right side. Thanx

 

Technically no, but some would say (myself included) that it's preferable to do so.

Your axles are the inner races for the axle bearings. They supposedly "wear" together with the bearing that they've been running in.

However, I think you could get away with a mismatch. I mean, what's the alternative at this point? Replace both the axles and the bearings so that you know they're matched?

You have a 50/50 chance of getting them matched up correctly again.

 

I wouldn't worry about it.

 

Since you have the axles out and obviously will be replacing the bearings and seals before you put them back in like any sane and sensible person would do, and checking them carefully for any signs of wear at the bearing race location and replacing them as well if there is any, it doesn't matter.