I got the Pro-d 46mm steel shafts the other day (3 packs.....I was pretty shocked I fuond so many).
They actually are just slightly to tight for the V3 outdrives. Ive run a file around the teeth of the outdrive to allow them a snug fit but able to move free in and out the teeth. Seems now I have a front end that will be bog standard in the sense of HPI parts, but pretty tough to crack.
Also managed to finally get some wishbones, been running pro4 one's for ages now.
Happy chappy I am