newbie CV Axle Replacement Question

I just lifted my truck 2.5 inches. I am planning on replace the CV axles (seemingly original with 180k) and would like to slightly stretch the boots to keep the ribs from rubbing too much. Am I able to take the brand new axle assembly, cut the small clamp, push the boot out a little and just use a hose clamp to tighten it down? Is that sufficient or will I need to remove the boot entirely and put some sort of inner clamp on to prevent the boot from sliding back into place?

Also, I know I need break the tie rod and lower ball joints loose to remove the CV axle. Will I need an alignment after doing this?

Thank you all for your help!

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld. If you haven't checked it out, this may help...

https://youtu.be/vcCT4UgFUTw

 

Ive watched! Thank you for sending. Since he is rebooting an old axle assembly, I wasnt sure if he completed some steps that wouldn't be necessary with a brand new unit.

 

Unless you're having a problem with your CVs, I wouldn't replace them. OEM CVs will last much longer than 180K miles, and being OEM, they are stronger and allow more articulation, than aftermarket parts.

As for sliding the boot down - I'd say a couple things.

1. You can try it. I don't think it'll work, since the small end of the boot sits in a groove (so it'll likely slip back into that groove), but it won't really hurt to try. Do be aware however, that the thing that causes CV boots to tear (most commonly) is any change to their worn-in "memory." This can be from a lift or from trying to "stretch" them to avoid tearing. (As in, if you do this to your original CV boots, you're likely to cause the issue you're trying to avoid).

2. If you've done less than a 3" lift and still have reasonable CV angles, simply rebooting your CVs can get you into a place where you don't have to worry because they will develop a "memory" at the new ride height.

Ultimately, my recommendation would be to continue to run your existing CVs (again, unless there is a known issue with them), and just reboot them if/when they tear. In addition to Timmy's video above, this guide gives a nice step-by-step with photos and the parts you'll need to do it.

How-to: Rebooting a Tacoma CV Axle

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You can get a cv axle out easily by just undoing the 4 lower ball joint bolts and swinging the spindle out of the way.

You'll be in an out in no time.

 

Y’all are the best. Thank you!

 

I agree stick with OEM, reboot as necessary, its actually a fairly easy job if you an alternate method for the innermost boot clamp (or get the special tool). I bought my 98 new, lifted at about 30k miles and boots tore at 60k. The replacement boots lasted over 125k miles and my current ones are at about 100k miles and just a very shallow rub mark on the inner. They may have improved the replacements parts but also every time I wash the truck I try to remember to spray the boots with silicone - you can get the spray at any auto parts store. Unless you are in 4 wheel drive all the time it seems that wear on the OEM CV's is pretty much zero.