just quick question are 3 gen cv shafts universal ???

Hell no! This is Mitsubishi you are talking about! It would differ with the engine (2.4, 3.0, 3.5) and gearbox (manual, auto 4 or 5 speed).
FWD, AWD - Probably different too.

There may be some that are the same. Wait until MadMagna answers, he is the recognised expert on all (most) things 3rd gen.

sorry mine is a tj 4spd auto fwd 3.5ltr

was the 2.4 available in the 3rd gens? damn i never knew. second the motion on asking madmagna either waiting here or sending a pm, never had a single problem with any of the advice ive seen posted around the forums.

Second gen, the TR and TS, only had 2 engines available, the 2.6L 4 pot and the 3.0L V6 12 valve. The 3rd gen got 24 valve V6 in 3.0 and 3.5L versions, and the 2.6 was dropped for the lower friction, higher power 2.4L for ppl who were after better fuel consumption or were scared of V6's.
The 2.4 didn't prove too popular so it was discontinued.

I'm open to correction here.

I believe you are right there MadMax, my friends sisters 3rd gen has a 4 pot in it.

Why dont you just ring up a CV place or check the technical manual's?

When I b ought mine from my shaft place they came as third gen shafts but all that had to be done was the ABS ring for the thrid gens got removed by Mal and put them on as is.