Tampa Bay Area Tacomas BS Thread

Hey Guys, Looking for some Professional Advice I'll preface this question with - I KNOW I FUKD UP!! So try not to rub it in. A couple years ago I switched out my axles, and unfortunately took the cheap route, and bought aftermarket axles / boots. Recently my CV boots failed again for the 3rd time, and I thought it was my lift or spacers causing the problem, which may actually be part of the problem, but I am 99% sure the quality of the rubber of these aftermarket boots is awful as compared with the OEM's made of plastic. I have been told that OEM boots, as well as some of the extreme high quality plastic boots for higher angles will NOT fit any aftermarket axles, and the ONLY way around my problem is biting the bullet and purchasing OEM axles / boots.
Does anyone know if any of these high angle / longer boots will fit my after market axles? I'm willing to spend the extra $$ on the high quality plastic boots, but would like to have confidence they will fit the axles I have on the truck now.
Anyone have experience with any of these components!?! Thanks for any help

 

The boots fitment probably have to do with the shape of the tripod joint cup. The OEM axles have three cut outs on them to save weight while the aftermarket axles are usually just round cups. Ironically, I never had an issue with blowing the inner boots on the OGT (most likely because it had manual locking hubs so the CVs weren't turning all the time), but I did have to replace them on the OG4 last year and it looks like the new ones are wearing a grooves in the pleats again.

If you got aftermarket CVs with a lifetime warranty, just take them out and swap them for new ones. If not, then get another set of OEM axles from a scrap yard and install them with the upgraded boots, or you could get a set of aftermarket CVs with a lifetime warranty from a local part store(I recommend Cardone axles from NAPA) and just plan on swapping them out every so often. Won't cost you anything but your labor. FWIW, swapping the whole CV axle out is just easier and less messy than replacing the boots (cleaning all the contaminated grease out of the tripod joint is a PITA).

 

Thanks for the insight - Yes, totally agree on swapping out the axles is so much easier than replacing the boot. Buying 2 new aftermarkets is def. an option, knowing I'll be replacing every 2 years minimum. I'm trying to avoid if possible, but it sounds like the only way to avoid is getting my hands on an OEM pair. I checked LKQ, but they only had 1 - 1999 tacoma on their lot. I'm assuming that gen. taco won't fit my 2012.
Is it safe to assume, there is no way an OEM Boot will fit an aftermarket axle? The notches in the OEM's make that much of a difference when fitting the boots? I would have really thought there was some play in them somewhere, in order to fit, albeit not perfect, but good enough.
Is that just out of the question!?!

 

Yeah, the notches are that big on the OEM cups. I guess if you have good widdling skills you could trim the excess rubber off the boot, but I seriously doubt that would work. It would be a desperation fix at best.

You could try finding out who OE manufacturer is and try to get that aftermarket brand of axle since it will probably be made the same way. I personally don't know what company made them though and they aren't likely to have a lifetime warranty on them. I would probably replace the boots to preserve a set of OEM axles, but I honestly wouldn't go through the hassle for an aftermarket CV...unless it was one of those stupid expensive Chromo CVs.

 

Thanks for the advice. I started looking on Ebay for OEM axles, and I figure I can reboot them with brand new boots. That may be the safest solution.
So another dumb question. Are all 2nd Gen. CV axles compatible? I'll do my best to check Part #'s prior to ordering, but sometimes those Ebay junk Yards may not list the part # or Vin #.

 

Just one more quick question. Assuming I find my OEM axles, and reboot them, do I need the "High Angle" type or will regular OEM Toyota CV Boots do the job?
I run a 2.5" lift in the front with 33's and 1" Spacers.

 

Not really an expert on 2nd Gens, but I would assume they are all compatible since there was no manual hub option. To be honest, I don't know anything about high angle boots either. Sounds interesting though.

 

Called Toyota to confirm. CV Axles are indeed compatible for all 2nd Gen 4X's. Just ordered 2 OEM's and lan on getting CVJ boots.
Hopefully this will be the last time I change out axles for a while

 

I need to replace shocks can anyone recommend a good shop in the Tampa bay/St Pete/Clearwater area? Thanks!

 

@Timbo's Customs

 

how’s it going. I’m located in south lakeland. Shoot me a message if you’re interested.

 

Planning a trip with a buddy to hit some easy trails in Ocala. He hasnt been in a long time and I've never been wheeling. Any advice when visiting ONF, or good resources?

 

mostly sand trails but you might want to check to make sure its not hunting season

 

Quick question. It's been awhile since I had a Tacoma, but am splurging on a 2024 Sport 4x4. Looking for good All-terrain tires, specifically for the Florida sand and rain. My part of town floods frequently so they need to be good on wet roads. Had my eye on Toyo Open Country III's.
Any suggestions?

 

Check out the tire tire ratings on tire rack

 

Thanks. I’ve looked on every tire review site that I can think of. They all say something a little different. Thats why I wanted a Floridian’s opinion.

 

I've got a set of Cooper at3 xlts and I think they're great on and off road. I had the m/ts before and they were good off road, not so much on paved roads lol.

The at3s got me all through Withlacoochee State Forest with no problems at all. I'm not a tire expert tho, maybe there's a better tire out there. Just my .02, good luck.

My at3s vs the old mt


Tread


Sidewall

 

Appreciate that. They were on my short list too.

 

Settled on Falken Rubitreks. They seem best suited for our weather.

 

Good choice, I ran those for a while and really liked them as well.