CV Axles

Good afternoon TacomaWorld,

For those of you that have lifted your trucks what CV axles did you end up going with? Even if you haven't lifted your truck and you've had to replace CVs what did you end up going with?

 

Lifting does not require a CV axle change. You have a pre-runner so you don't even have CV axles?

 

Lifted 2.5" and didn't change a thing on CVs. However, I've been told the Napa Auto ones are quite good in terms of replacements.

 

Not a PreRunner. My son drives that one now. Personal info has been updated to reflect. Thanks your your input though.

 

OEM is the best
OEM Reman is 2nd best.
The NAPA HD Premium with HD boots are pretty good if not going OEM.

 

If lifting past 2.5+ inches i would recommend changing the needle bearing on the driver side front diff as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJ4_7G12Esw

 

Oem. Aftermarket CV axles bind very easy and limit suspension travel.

If you're really frisky a pair of rcv or even the 930 upgrade is pretty sweet.

 

I plan to do this as well. Was just getting ready to sit down and order it. I picked up a 3rd member from them back when I first got the 05, good stuff.

 

Looks like oem is the general consensus. Anyone have positive experience with CVJ axles?

 

I just installed my second CVJ axle today. First one has been great. They use toyota axles w/ a high angle lift boot. Had the first one on there for probably 50k now and no issues. I re-booted the passenger side when the original/oem one tore the first time, but this time decided to just replace the whole damn thing. Too messy and time consuming to do another boot swap.

 

pics of today's install at bottom of this page... https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-a-build-journal.125201/page-11#post-29188080

 

I have 2 spares that I reboot and cycle in when the ones in the truck need new boots

 

So you went with the high angle ones with the red boots? I'm sitting at about 2.2 inches or so in the front so I'm trying to determine the regular reman ones or high angle remans.

 

I did. I figure if my regular boots were rubbing and wearing out, it probably needs more space between the ribs.

 

This is definitely the (economical) way to go. If I wasn't so lazy, I'd do this!!

 

That is my plan as well. Get the OEM remans then have the aftermarket ones replaced (lifetime warranty). That way I'll have a good set on the truck and a spare set to run if the OEMs need boots down the road.

 

I think you can also get OEM remans from the dealer for around $140 each.

I decided not to go with CVJ because of their price. $900 for high angle inner boots, and OEM outers? The OEM boot kit is $40-60 depending on where you get it.

Also highly recommend this tool if you're doing it yourself. Its much better than the Lisle plier that could also be used. Different versions available, but they're around $25.

 

Not justifying this price in any way...but the axle was 365 including shipping. So, about 725 if you got both +/-. I know. It's still ridiculous.

That crimp tool looks nice. I have a set that looks more like pliers. Probably Lisle, but I don't remember the brand at this point and they're in the garage. They worked well for the couple of times I used them. I can see the one you have making neater work of the job though. Especially if working on the boot on a workbench. You use it on the truck ever? Can see where pliers might be more manageable in that scenario.

 

I havent used it on the truck yet. But should fit nicely if I need to do the steering rack boot

I didn't like the pliers because they need 2 breaker bars to crimp the clamp enough (and arm strength haha) whereas the tool I bought, only needs a socket

 

Do you have a source for the Reman Toyota axles for $140? That's something I'd be interested in.