Any suggestions on quality aftermarket cv axle replacements?

I have a 2011 Tacoma, and plan on replacing CV axles, I would most likely go with OEM parts but its crazy what they want, $500 installed for each side, I had same situation with control arms/ball joint, they wanted $600 each side, I found some made in USA by Moog, they actually sell a premium "Problem Solver" line with many improvements over OEM units, including greaseable zerks on the ball joints, Im looking for something similar in my cv axles, nothing made in China but yet more affordable than the Toyota stealership, Thanks

https://www.moogparts.com/technologies/articles/enhanced-premium-control-arms.html

 

Either OEM ($$), China ($), or USA (RCV $$$$)

Why do you need to replace them? Torn boots?

 

Believe it or not I have been daily driving and wheeling hard on Napa HD cv axles which are around $120 ea IIRC & they have yet to fail me. I also have a very mild lift, only about 2” so my cv angles are awesome but my Napa axles have been fine. I can’t afford oem axles as replacements.

 

According to dealership, grease leaking out, I havnt really confirmed it, just getting ideas on replacements if thats actually the case

 

Im fine with non OEM as long as its not China, its not easy to find but there is other options, I was pretty impressed by the made in USA Moogs, they have their budget line but also a premium line with many improvements over OEM

 

You can replace torn boots with a rebuild kit, like 50 bucks plus some labor. there is a thread on how to DIY it somewhere on here.

 

Hmn, Im not opposed to some basic wrenching, otherwise Id just find someone

 

Can't find that thread, but this one has OEM rebuilt axles for 150$

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/dealership-oem-reman-cv-axles.748031/

 

If you can do it ,buy this kit
https://www.ebay.com/itm/274494130948

 

The Car Care Nut YouTube channel actually just did a video on Toyota CV boot replacement.

Reman'd CV axles utilizing OEM components are OK. New aftermarket axles often don't have the same range of articulation, so they blow up more easily off road.

 

I see a couple people mentioning the boots, and maybe not have to automatically replace the whole unit

 

Thanks Canadaian Joe, so glad the South Park US-Canada war is over
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFKdg-WQnbE

 

OEM remans are much cheaper than brand new ones and will outlast any standard aftermarket CV axle. Dealerships sell them, also CVJ sells reman OEM axles.

 

Im liking this option for sure!

 

They charge you a core charge but if you bring or ship in your old ones, you'll get that core charge back.

 

CVJ-axles, reman OEM factory toyota axles

 

Depending on axle condition, reboot is the way to go as far as quality and bang for the buck. A $50 oem boot kit services one axle. If the boot's been torn for awhile though and let grit in there then I wouldn't go through the effort of saving it.

Aside from that, I agree with Ty about the Napa ones. I wheeled the piss outta mine for a few years. Finally the outer boot slipped off the joint from the constant extreme droop so I took them into napa and walked out with new ones. The axles carry a lifetime warranty.

 

Checking them out as we speak
https://www.cvjreman.com/about-cvj-axles/

 

brand new oem cv axles seem to run about $250 right now with free shipping from a lot of the online toyota dealers

https://toyotaparts.mcgeorgetoyota.com/oem-parts/toyota-drive-shaft-3714004053

not really a difficult job. plenty of videos. i dont have any experience with the aftermaket. for me, there are some parts, that just have to be replaced with oem.

 

Ive had great luck with LCE cv axles, plus they dont bind up at steep angles.