CV axle options?

Since I've got a tear in my cheapo Meineke CV boot I'm just going to replace both at the same time. I think the passenger side is throwing grease too.

I've heard some recommend NAPA CV's. Others like CVJ. OEM Toyota axles are very expensive.
I'm leaning towards the CVJ option but I'm open, and looking for other suggestions.

 

There’s a thread out here about these somewhere; I’ll see if I can find it.

 

From my prior studies, the CVJ is a reman’d OEM Toyota joint. You have the option of siliconized boots in red or black. Also, you have the option for higher angle CV options from CVJ.


Bad thing is without the OEM core to return you’ll be eating $85 per axle like me when my aftermarkets crap out. Shoulda requested the old cores when my front end was rebuild!

I’ll probably end up buying new Toyota axles at $430 a pop unless someone thinks the CVJ is better for my situation with the Bilsteins at only one notch up.

 

Call these bad boys direct...........Denver, Colorado. Highly regarded by the local folks here. They have a booth at ToyTec Customer Appreciation Day. CVJ Axles 303-297-2448 or 1-800-292-2953. Ask for JP. Jeff Pearson.

 

CVJ not a "joint". Specialize in re-manufactured and beyond. Highly regarded here in CO. Good folks. Know their shit. They sell beefed up goodies too! Depends on need.

 

Bought my replacements at Advanced auto. About $85 a piece. Ones been on the truck for 90k miles or so with no issues, the other maybe 70k miles or so. Thicker diameter axle shafts and the big boots on the CV's.

 

Probably a good practice to have a spare set around, maybe even bring them when off roading.

On my GTI (because my truck is 2wd) I replaced them and kept the old ones. The boots on my old ones split and slung some grease but after cutting the boot off I dont see any dirt introduced and I don't drive that car in rain, so I believe the joint hasn't been damaged. I am going to clean/repack/reboot them. That way the next time a boot tears I can swap immediately before damage is done to the actual joint, then repeat the cycle.

 

I think that the joints on the NAPA CVs are cast and are weaker than stock, the Toyota joints are steel and the way you want to go. CVJ's price seems reasonable to me. I used to snap up used functional axles for $100 and modify/rebuild/reboot them in probably a similar way to what CVJ does. I would have no problem paying someone ~$70 each to do the work for me, it was messy. There's also that you're recycling the rebuildable used ones.

 

I went ahead and ordered 9550 TR's from CVJ. Buy once cry once. Since my truck is lifted a few inches in the front I'd rather go with ones that are not as likely to keep tearing boots.

 

Hey if your doing any offorading or suspension travel when turning (even cornering fast) your boots are probably going to rip agian, what ive seen and done before is put the inner mounting of the boot farther out so the boot is stretched a little so there isnt nearly as much rubbing when turned and the suspension is down.
Ive also seen youtuve toutorials on it as well so you should look into it!

 

Any new options?

 

Mine are fine but I want a spare for the trail (are they interchangeable?)

 

From side to side? Yes.

 

Thank you!

 

Napa has 20% off on 3 items now with free shipping

 

If it's just a spare, I bought an OEM one from a junkyard on ebay for $60. I've had it for about 6 months with no problems. I figured if it blew right away I'd just have CVJ rebuild it for me.

 

Here's a pic of the NAPA axle next to a factory Toyota.

 

is that napa the floating type?.? for lifts?

it looks longer?

 

These are the ones for lifted trucks. It's not longer I just have it extended in the pic.

 

For anyone in ATL or southeast, there's a shop in Buford that I've used several times that does really good work at reasonable prices. John is the owner, really good guy. CV Source Inc. - American Owned & Operated Auto Parts Rebuilder in Buford GA (business.site)