issues with CV axle tripod

99 4wd

Replacing the boots on my CV axles and I've run into an issue. All the tutorials and the manual say to remove the tripod from the axle when replacing the boots. There's supposed to be a lock ring on the end of the inboard side just outside the tripod (first pic). However, mine does not have that, the tripod goes all the way to the outer lip (second pic). Does this indicate I've got aftermarket axles, or have people seen this design with OEM? I just bought this truck and I don't know if they've been replaced. Third pic may help decide.

 

Figuring out if you had OEM CV's would have been the first move before rebooting. Generally, OEM axles have either green or blue on the exposed axle shafts to indicate if they are manual or ADD. The lack of that coloring would be an indication that they are not OEM. It's not worth the effort to reboot part store axles because they usually have lifetime replacement warrantees on them. In your case, you may have had to buy the first set as you didn't know where they came from.

@zippsub9 might have a few more tell-tale signs for OEM cv axles.

 

I see some faint signs of green on the shaft that could indicate they are are OEM

 

Pop the clip off the other side of the tulip
Then slide the tulip down exposing the other clip.

 

Gotcha. Twice the clips twice the torture

 

So the stickers, or remnants, are typically the first sign to look for. As stated above it does appears there are remnants.

The thick c clip is on the inboard side of the tripod. It needs to slide down the axle so the tripod can be lowered. You may need to persuade it with a brass hammer to lower enough to expose the small thin c clip on the outboard or top side of the tripod. Remove this clip then the tripod can slide off the axle but will probably need some assistance as they rarely slide right off. Hope this helps.

For what it’s worth, everything on that CV looks OEM to me.

 

new problem: in the process of removing the tripod and doing everything else that needed to happen, the marks I made wore off the spindles and now i have no way of knowing if the tripod is aligned properly. how much of a difference is this going to make? am i screwed

 

You're not screwed. It's more of a best practice than an absolute necessity. I've had the same thing happen a couple times and haven't had any ill effects from it.

 

You’re fine. Don’t sweat it. Recommend not required.