'03 Tacoma Lifted CV SHAFT Failure.

2003 Tacoma Lifted 4x4 CV SHAFT FAILURE.

I Lifted the truck using the Bilstien 5150 Coil and Strut in the front(Middle setting) and Bilstein 5100 shock in the rear with a 2" AAL and 1" shackle and front differential Drop 1". I am running Bfg All Terrain TA tires 285/75/16. using the Spydertrax 1" wheel spacer.

Overall, I gained a solid 3" in the Front and Rear. Truck sits level. Drives good, suspension quality is good. Truck can flex and go anywhere.

Here is the Issue. Because of this lift installed it has changed the geometry of the factory suspension. I got the Truck perfectly aligned after replacing both Lower Control Arms and Camber adj. Bolts, etc.

After running the truck. The CV shaft axles became worn out. Cv boot ripped, grease pours out and covers everything. I replaced Both CV shaft axles with factory shafts from advanced auto parts. Installed. less than two weeks later, Both of those CV Shaft boots are torn, again, pouring Grease out. The joints themselves are currently fine but the CV Boot is torn. water, dirt, sand and salt will destroy them.

I will replace the CV shaft again .

I am frustrated with this situation.

I want to find out if I need to replace the upper control arm to the new style tube UCA or if there is a company that designs a High performance factory CV shaft or boot that can with stand the angle of axle shafts.

Im sure someone out there has the same lift kit and most likely has doubt with this situation. Any suggestions or ideas can help..

I would love a solid axle. Don't want to spend 1k for parts and then rip, tear, rebuild.

Thank You for your help.

 

If you got a solid 3" from the middle setting, I'm willing to bet the coil seat is upside down on the strut.

 

This is what upside down looks like.

 

My coil strut seat is not upside down. It is correctly installed. Ive got the same strut as that one in photo. any other thoughts?

 

Get better boots the vatozone special sucks

 

Stock springs?

 

Not sure if it's the same for 1st gen, but there's a boot slip mod some guys do that slides the boot up the shaft a little more so the fins aren't rubbing and wearing out prematurely.

 

I got about 1" of lift from my 5100s in the middle clip with stock coils. Somethings up. Post pictures of your struts.


Also, fist step: throw the diff drop away

 

I've had a diff drop for nearly 2 years, no issues

 

I have the toytec/ bilstein coils. Who has a better quality boot other than toyota. Low range off road sells long travel cv boot for shafts. Any other performance part dealer?

 

You should only run the eibach springs in the lowest setting with the 5100s. Drop it down a clip, it should fix your problem.

 

So your running the eibach coils that Toytec sells?

If so, lower the shock perch to the lowest setting immediately. Your running about 4.5" of lift on suspension that can't handle more than 3" comfortably.

 

yes those are the coils. Originally I put it on the middle setting because it was specified in the directions to do so. Not knowing this could happen. So, that would lower the cv shaft angle and hopefully not blow thru cv boots?

 

Yes, it will lower the cv angle.

That being said, you will still blow through regular boots. Just at a much slower pace.

 

what about running a long travel boot on factory shaft

 

No idea, but I'm sure it would help.

 

I win!

 

Thanks for the help. ill take them out and find out. ill let you all know how they turn out.

 

Do that and read this

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/190669-my-cv-boot-mod.html