I'm not sure I can help. I can't see why the auto zone can't get right. I did some research and it seems you have a problem. Check this site out and see if it makes any sense to you.
http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15273
Just go to the auto parts store they can look it up for you based on your year, make and model and order the exact part. You don't need to measure anything.