Time to replace CV Axle, Need recommendations for replacement

Just my .02 cents.....

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/my-experience-with-cvj-replacement-axles-for-96-tacoma.687090/

 

Question for you fellas.

I bought my 04 (3.4 v6/AT 4x4) new. Shortly after, I installed different shocks and a 2.5" coil spacer lift and AAL.
The truck has basically been a road queen all it's life, short of taken out hunting on FS roads over the years.
The CV axles (OEM) have been fine, but back in 2015, the inner boot bands both come loose, and needed replaced.
Before replacing the bands, I packed the boots with grease, and all has been good.

I took the truck to Schwabs for "tire sizing", and they said I needed new CV Axles. I was like, uhh really?
There are no noises coming from the front, whatsoever, and the boots are still fine, so I don't get it. WTF?
They printed out a quote for replacement with new axles, #T08043 ($175.50/ea. Total installed = $605.37), which is the bottom of the barrel generic replacements, non-OEM.

After reading through this thread, my take of things, they WANT my OEM CV's, and they're screwing me over. I don't buy it that it NEEDS new CV's.
I'm not a mechanic, but I'm mechanically inclined.
Aside from visuals, IE-broken axle, torn boots, and/or evident or obvious noises, how can I know if they need replaced or not?

My questioning they need replaced, Schwab has been known to screw people, when schit doesn't NEED to be replaced.

I'd appreciate your input.

I can replace the CV's myself if necessary, and I will/would if they were bad.

 

Yeah I would take what they have to say with a huge grain of salt. Places like that make their money on upselling people on other services they "didn't know they needed".

If your CVs look fine and aren't making any noticeable clicking noises in 4wd then I'm sure they are OK. No sense in replacing good OEM cvs with cheap aftermarket ones if there's no need

 

I just noticed the tapered diff end. Does that make it more difficult to remove? Typically you stick a prybar between the diff and the CV to pop it out.

 

Yeah I haven't had to remove them so time will tell

I do carry a small pry and sledge in my tool bag though; that tool bag lives in the truck. Speaking of, just added this nifty thing since my impact lives in the bag as well -

 

Yeah, I'd call BS on that. Id' ask them to explain how they know they're bad when there's no noise and no leaks.

 

sweet wood paneling. So fancy.

 

It's real you know

 

Good call, I had some Duralast CV axles from Autozone once that had tapered ends. They were a royal PITA to get out

 

Don't have to remove CV axles if they don't fail

 

I felt a disturbance in the CV axle force, I think you are angering the gods with that kind of talk

 

Speaking of, just gave my girl a drop dead time.

Parked while I download some tunes....I'm just about to hit some trails.

 

I just ordered tires for my 04

 

If you don't test to failure, you'll never really know how strong they are...

 

FIFY

 

Are these the same ones you bought? How have they held up? Been thinking about ordering these just haven’t found anyone that used them.
Do they have a lifetime warranty?
Thanks

 

I ordered mine through O'Reillys. I've been running them on my 04 for about 2 months now. No issues to note.

 

Cool thanks

 

Been running mine for over 6 months and have run many trails.

Pictures of my 4R on page 1.

 

Axles look good, thanks for the info and pictures. Now just have to purchase a set for myself