That is some mad axle shaft damage!
Haven't seen anything like that well pretty much ever, unless the diff would be blown..
Talk to Roseberry hydromatic transmissions in Concord, Cali. I had them install and warranty my OBX helical. Awesome work. Although if I were you go through rock auto and get your own parts. They charge double on parts.
As for the drum brakes and there design, I would agree that they just overall suck. More pieces are involved although I believe that drums work better for trucks do to weight capacities. Rotors are much more simple and effective, they make less brake dust too. Nissan is a parts bin manufacturer though so if they buy items in bulk from other companies, that would more than likely explain how silly drums get manufactured on a car.
