Driver side Front Axle suggestions

Hey y’all,

Was about to replace my LBJ today but after getting my wheel off I notice my axle has a “clamp” failure on my outer boot, on the smaller end of the boot. Hopefully I make sense here, I’ll post pictures.

Now I’m trying to decide whether replacing the boot with a boot kit or replacing the axle itself. There is a small noticeable “clunking” noise but not grinding when going over some bumps. Sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn’t.

I can’t seem to find a reman oem axle. And doing the Toyota parts route, I find it’s about $370ish for 1 new axle. I was reading older posts of people sourcing remans for $70-$110 so maybe I’m missing something.

Part numbers
43430-0C010
43430-0C010-84 (reman)

any advice or expertise is appreciated. thanks

 

Yes, Toyota is supposedly killing off remanufacture for the axle, all you can get is new. There are a few remans lingering at un-connected dealerships, and maybe they'll return to reman later, but for now, most dealers will tell you "remans are discontinued".

First thing I'd do is clean that up to get a good view of what you're looking at. I agree it looks like the boot simply slid out from the clamp. But you need to clean up all the surfaces before re-clamping. The clamp you'll need is a 38.1mm Oetiker, which requires a special tool to install.

This is what that should look like, on a nice clean OEM axle. Yours, I can't tell if the little high spot is still on the tip (just the tip) of your boot there. If it is, re-clamp is do-able.

​

 

These are sometimes suggested for Tacomas. CVJ Reman'd Axles They sell them for Tundras, too. I can't remember if this is the same company I heard about a few years back, but someone like this is the reason that even though I used NAPA axles when my original CVs finally tore and started clicking (yes I waited too long), I held onto my stock axles in case I wanted to use them for a core exchange on higher quality axles down the road when I had more money.

Anyone here have experience?

 

I have the tool for sale for $ 10 in classifieds ...shamess plug lol.

 

On my 2006 the axles got sloppy after 140K miles from lots of off highway driving. I bought lifetime guaranteed Napa axles and I have replaced them several times at their expense. Lot's of work for me...I should have gone OEM, or just kept running the originals a few more years.
On your clunking noise I would check the steering rack rubber mounts and the axle nuts. I imagine you checked ball joints already.

 

Same here with lifetime Advanced axles. I’ll be swapping them for the second time in a couple months. The boots just don’t hold up, the joints are fine.

 

When I first got my 2003 AC in 2020 I swapped the driver side axle with a CVJ (I think their cheapest option) and it worked fine. But I did just sell the truck and replaced the axles for the current owner because the same driver side boot had started to rip after 4 years.
The passenger side was still in good shape and OEM.

 

I'm kind of thinking that boot may have slipped and ripped itself in the process. I'd probably be looking for another axle or rebooting this one, but I'd be tempted to zip tie it in the short term.

 

I have CVJ reman axles on my '03 Tacoma, and they've been on the truck for about 2 years. Boots are holding in there well, and they've given me no problems. That truck gets used and abused primarily for hunting and camping down pretty gnarly trails. Overall I'd say CVJ offers a really good product at a fairly steep price. I believe I paid about $650 for both CV axles (had no cores to exchange).

 

Looks like you may need a replacement clamp if inot ripped but may want to dissasemble, clean, and refill with grease. There is a detailed writeup and video for the inner boot with OE boot kit part number including grease and clamps folks usually consider if not lifted, and aftermarket if lifted. Once have the inner off can pull the outer too. Videos around for that too.

An OE boot kit can be purchased from a Toyota dealer around $47 with boots, grease, and clamps. Likely cheaper if wait for the 20% off sale @ Serra.

If lifted, folks consider the inner Porsche 930 boot from Kartek for like $19 IIRC or the Allpro inner boot set of 2 on sale 20% off right now for $42.32 with clamps, grease and free shipping from Wheelers (although haven't tried either there is a lot of info on various 4runner, taco, and tundra forums). There are outer Allpro boots too but have heard that Toy part number is the best outer option because of what it is made of.

If don't have the crimp tool or want to clamp tighter for slinging grease on lifted trucks, rolled edge and smooth inner wall worm style clamps are like $1-2/each and linked above.

 

I paid $88 a piece for the Advanced Auto axles with lifetime warranty. They've held up great, other than boot tears. I'm gonna replace and start treating with vinyl conditioner like VLR or 303 and see if this set lasts longer.

 

Thank you shifty. I’ll try to clean it up this weekend and report back. Might go ahead and see about getting that new clamp too or just the whole kit.

 

Thank you.