Replacing cv axle...add fluid back?

Noticed a pretty good gash in my passenger side cv axle back during hunting, finally got around to ordering a new one.

Looks fairly simple to replace.
1. Jack vehicle up
2. Take tire off
3. Remove 35mm nut
4. Remove lower ball joint mount
5. Pop old axle out and new axle in

I do have a few questions. I’ve read a few posts on here and the posters didn’t mention removing the tie rod end from the spindle. It looks like I may need too for clearance?

Also, no one addresses adding fluid back that was lost. Is the amount loss enough to warrant topping the front diff off?

 

Removing the tie rod will help but its not necessary. And yes add fluid that is lost or it may be a good idea to just change the gear oil

 

No need to remove the LBJ- remove the two bolts than connect the LBJ to the spindle since it's much easier. You don't have to remove the tie rod end but have bungees or a buddy handy to keep the spindle from falling over and otherwise putting tension on your ABS cable and/or brake line. I do remove the sway bar end link just to get a little more room to work, but it may not be necessary. If you jack the truck up enough where it's angled, the fluid loss should be minimal so no top of needed. When I install ECGS bushings, i lose about 1/2 to 1 ounce of fluid and don't see a need to top off. It really depends on how fast you can get the axle back in.

 

She came out with ease, hardly any fluid, maybe 8-9 drops. Going back was a royal pain, until the wife showed up and helped.

What about this cv axle with the ripped boot? I’d like to get it rebuilt, especially it being a factory Toyota one. Would a service shop jack with it, or would I need to send off?

 

Napa sells a new axle with heavy duty boots for around $100.
There are a few other options depending how much time and money you want to spend.

 

Should not need to add fluid but a good time to change out.

Not to jack, but can you pull the cv from the diff without pulling the axle out of the hub? To do the ecgs bushing.

 

I didn’t need fluid. I know I need to change it, but it’s beautiful outside and I’m going fishing!

Maybe on the ecgs, but you are gonna have to undo a lot of bolts so you don’t get the axle binded up and could pull the hub far enough outward to remove it from the diff.

Next axle that shits out on me, I will remove more stuff than I did, such as the brake caliper, I was stretching the brake line further than I would have liked trying to get the axle back into the hub.