Easy fix if you have a welder or a buddy that can. Cut the old shaft off the ends and weld in the correct length new piece. I've even used rebar before and seemed to work ok but a actual solid steel bar is still better. You can get either at Home Depot or lowes and even tractor supply. Making your own you can be sure that they are the right length that you need and not just the cookie cutter industry size.
Sent from what use to be a great country.