944 axle interchange???

[Panelfantastic]

I need a little education..... I'm trying to figure out a way to get some slightly shorter axles for my GL bus project (1.5" narrowed IRS arms) and the funds are getting scarce so I'm forced to search for bargains.
I read on another forum that axles from 83-85.5 944 are a good replacement for bug IRS (beefier cv's). Shad was the author and maybe he can add input here. It was mentioned that they are a "little" shorter, how much shorter? I've also noticed that 944 auto axles seem to be two different lengths like VW's. Would a couple auto "shortsides" be a good choice? The big question is this... other than a pair of axles, what other parts will I need? different stub axles? different output flanges??