Cutting axles

I agree with toolmanmike. OEM axles don't have much extra spline to work with. Aftermarket axles tend to have extended splines, but either way, measurements would have to be very precise to keep the axles from butting and/or not having enough spline engagement in the carrier. I believe minimum engagement is the diameter of the axle.

I have had aftermarket axles cut a bit locally, but I don't know how they did it. It would require some type of cooling and a slow pace to keep from overheating the end. But bottom line, I wouldn't do it with OEM axles and suggest the other options..