CV Axle Brands

Help me out a little with which CV axles to get. My 4wd isn't working and there's some play in the CVs so I'm thinking about swapping them out.

I read some posts that OEM is best, and then some say CVJ is best, NAPA brand is good, etc. Which one should I get???

I appreciate any and all answers in advance.

 

I just went with Napa for now. Just replaced them because I blew a boot. Keeping my oem's for spares. As long as your not going heavy off roading they should last you a good while

 

From what I hear, going with OEM is the route to go. CVJ is pretty good as they have some quality rebuilds, especially if you want modified axles. I got some used OEM CVs from a pick and pull shop from CA on ebay...about $100 per cv.

Coot

 

I second this, if you don't plan to really see dirt then try out Napa. From what I hear with those, either they will leak upon install or wont. If they don't leak at all in the install then you should be good!

Coot

 

Ive had my Napa's on for about two months. Drove from DFW to N'awlins then to Asheville and back to Dallas and no problems

 

CVJs are re-manufactured OEM CVs. You have to send your CVs back to them or get hit with a $190 core charge. I just replaced mine with CVJs, but you have to factor in shipping CVs both ways. So add another $100 in shipping. The quality of the CVJs was great, they didn't look like they were ever used.

 

I think I'd rather have a rebuilt OEM CV axle over an aftermarket. Aftermarket should work okay for a pavement pounder, if you off road, the strength and design of the OEM joint is much better.

 

I plan on actually using 4wd off-road. Should I forget about NAPA brand or should I give them a try anyways?

 

Depends. If you've got the coin, get CVJ. If you have the time to screw with redoing the boots all the time, get OEM. If you just want to be able to pop and swap a CV if it breaks or tears, get a Napa lifetime.

I used to reboot my OEM axles. I've got the diff drop and did the BSM... still ended up in tears, just closer to the middle of the shaft instead of where the fins usually rub. So I decided just to get NAPA stuff now. It only takes me about 30-45 minutes to swap a CV, and I frankly would not have to worry if I drive on a lifetime unit with a torn boot for a while. Hell I knew people who would drive and wheel on a torn boot CV for a considerable amount of time and never had problems as a result.

If you do plan to get a Napa unit, I would honestly recommend picking up a spare if possible, especially if you do hardcore wheeling. Though I've read around and people either have bad luck with breaking them or they don't. But that's usually with the guys that beat on their shit.

 

This is good advice. If you go Napa, have your OEM rebuilt and keep as spare or install it and keep Napa as spare. When I wheeled more I always kept a spare axle after I broke a front axle on my 80 series cruiser in Moab. Slickrock turns SLICK when wet. Great traction dry though. Anyways, never bad idea to have a spare if you wheel.

 

Good call on the spare man, I think if you are gonna wheel any sort of rock stuff never hurts to have one.

Coot

 

Like it was said It all comes down to your use .

My truck hauls and pulls stuff .

Off Roading days are over Getting out of my Driveway is enough of an Adventure unless I get talked into going to rescue someone,

I want with the New Napa Ones in my Truck and the 4Runner so far so good been a few years

The joints were fine it was just the boots dry rotting I have the Boot Kits just never took the time.

 

My pickup is lifted. I used a drop diff kit and adjusted the coils to about 2" in the front. I have NAPA chassis CV axles in there. Boots have been great for a long time with no rips or tears and seem to hold up quite well.