2003 Tacoma-Recently torn CV boot from bailing twine...but Toyota suggests new axles

Hi everyone, (2003 Tacoma Ex-cab 2.7L 5sp 4x4)
Clean and reboot or replace axle? If replace, should I do both sides at the same time?
I recently noticed I had some bailing twine wrapped around my outer CV boot, which cut into the rubber releasing some of the grease.
I've got 171k miles on my 03 Tacoma and I hope to keep her another 10+ years.
There's no noise coming from my axles as I am pretty gentle on her and rarely turn the wheels to their full extent.
Toyota is claiming due to the mileage, I should replace the whole axle rather than cleaning/replacing the CV boot... though I'm skeptical at needing to do so.
From reading a couple other posts about CV axles on here, I noticed a recommendation for CVJ Axles... pulled them up and am now curious of the difference between their (#9804 = Better at $151.) or ( #9804T = Best at $232.)
Any suggestions?


Best,
Matthew

 

Don't get rid of your cv axles, they can be rebooted.

Can't comment on CVJ boots, but new factory replacements are still available.

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld
What @Kwikvette said ^^^
Here's a DIY
https://youtu.be/5bTJRzrv4iA

 

Hey OP! I have a 99, and my suggestion is Napa CVs. Haven't had an issue with them. Like other commenters, I can't say anything about CVJ but I do suggest Napa.

With the torn boot, just run it like you have it until you hear noise. I wouldn't go rushing to replace it instantly. I had 2 torn boots and waited 2 years, and 2 trips to the ozarks to replace them

 

Dealers try to avoid boots for warranty reasons. There’s nothing wrong with your axles. DIY a reboot or find a shop willing to. Now if the boot was torn for years I’d be getting new ones. But a fresh tear? They’ll be fine

 

CV Boot swap isn’t too bad just messy.

Boot kits with grease from Toyota are about $100 for both axles. Toss the factory clamps and get worm gear hose clamps.

These are off my first get Tundra. I still need to swap the clamps

 

Thank you to everyone so far!
I've ordered a new set of boots for the 1CV axle and am thinking of doing the job myself. If done carefully and if memory serves me, the only extra parts to order/replace would be the seal between the diff and axle...

 

In my signature; part numbers for both

 

Thank you! I have already ordered the boot kit from Toyota.
I did try searching for the axles via the part number... but am seeing a note that they are not available. Toyota had told me they don't manufacture new ones for vehicles this old but could get remanufactured ones... but they are on back-order for the next couple months.