CV Axle Options

So finally had a chance to get some work in on the truck I picked up a few weeks ago. Nothing major this time around, oil change, new battery, weather seals and the auto shifter bushings. Boy did those bushings make the truck feel 10 years younger.

Anyway, while I had the wheel turned all the way left to access the oil filter I noticed a rip in the boot on what I believe is the CV Axle and was wondering what everyone thinks. The oil on the boot indicates it's probably been opened for quite some time. Wondering what the best course of action is in this case. Looks like it can be rebooted and greased if the CV Axle is still good, but is it worthwhile to just replace the two axles considering the age of the truck? How would I check to see if the axle is still in good shape? My mechanical knowledge is pretty limited to BMWs and I have zero experience working with 4x4s.

For context, I've had the truck for three weeks and have put maybe 250ish miles on it. Coming up on 203k miles and service records were limited so I have no idea what kind of maintenance has been done over the trucks lifetime. Looking to get it as tip-top as possible without spending thousands of dollars and would like to have it offroad ready for light stuff in the next couple months.

Appreciate any insight you all can provide. Loving the Taco thusfar.

 

Too long, didn't read.

Just replace the cv axle boots via the available kit with new grease.

Those shocks are probably a good 5-10 years past due as well.

Based on that neglect alone, I'd say - steering rack bushings, tie rod ends, sway bar end links, lower ball joints, upper and lower control arm bushings, diff fluids, transmission fluid, fan clutch (do test first, don't immediately replace), coolant, thermostat, pcv valve, diff breathers, and your regular maintenance as well.

 

If you are well versed in BMW caca, your 2004 Tacoma will be like doing simple math. From the pic, it doesn't look like your truck is suffering from any cold weather cancer. I'd suggest biting the bullet and getting a set of rebuilt OEM CV's and either sending the old ones in for the core charge or getting rebuild kits and learning that little slice of heaven.

Redo all of the normal maintenance items in the manual. Check lower ball joints for play (replace with OEM), replace timing belt if you don't know when it was replaced (90k or 10 years iirc). Bushings and suspension might need updating.

 

Rebuilding does look like a solid option, but for ease I might pick up some new ones and simply swap them.

Working on maintenance now, and have lower ball joints waiting to be installed. Timing belt is marked as completed at 188k so I'm good for some time there.

Appreciate the reply.

 

As others have said, you can likely just reboot those CVs with some new rubber boots and be good to go. There are a couple things to consider when doing that though

1. Whether the CVs you have on there are OEM or aftermarket. If they are OEM, the shaft will be green under all the grease. If you have OEM, you'll want to keep them, as they are higher quality than aftermarket CVs you get at parts stores.
2. Whether the CVs still function correctly. You can't really check this until they are off, but you want to make sure they rotate freely (no grinding). It's likely that they are just fine, as the joints don't appear (in your pics) to be dry.

If you have OEM CVs that are in reasonable shape, re-booting is a great (and cost-effective) way to go, and you'll keep the higher quality axles as a result. Here's a step-by-step guide on the process with links to the (few) parts and (few) tools you'll need for the job.

How-to: Rebooting a Tacoma CV Axle

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It also looks like you have original shocks in the front... At 200K they should have been changed out at least 3 times. They aren't going to "fail" but they are wear items (along with every other bit of rubber in the front suspension). So I'd suggest being proactive and swap out the lower ball joints.

 

Im at 335k and the shocks have outlasted my springs

 

Thanks for the insight, I'd come across that same DIY and it looks like a relatively straight forward process. I'll have to get under the truck again soon to find out if the axle shafts are green or not underneath all the gunk.

I was curious about the shocks and thank you for letting me know they're the original shocks. It does ride a bit rough and I intend on working through all the suspension items over time. Lower ball joints are in hand and will be going in soon. I'll start doing some research on all the other suspension parts to replace and start placing orders. Rear suspension definitely feels like it needs some love too.

 

Just to save another thread about this- Bilstein 4600s are essentially what you currently have. If you're not looking for lift- these will be the most suggested shock to replace both the front and rear with. Also given the age, the springs are likely toast as well. Rear is easy- General Springs makes an OME-equivalent leaf spring set. The front is a bit more tricky- I don't know of a good OME-equivalent coil spring off the top of my head, but I'm sure they are out there. Stay away from the "Quick Strut" pre assembled garbage.

 

Noted, and thank you. I don't intend to lift it at this point in time so I'll be looking to pick up the Bilstein's and find sufficient springs as well. Will be sure to avoid pre-constructed struts as recommended.

Thanks for all the input on this, will be tackling the axles soon.