School Me On Front Axles (CV Shafts)

Was under my truck on Christmas installing my new brush guard, and noticed my drivers front CV shaft boot was torn.
Looking at replacing the axles, and am wanting to go with something decent. Not looking for a major upgrade (if there is even a difference).
I watched a Youtube video of a guy replacing one, and he said the axle was thinner than stock.
'03 Tundra, pretty much stock suspension

 

OEM is generally the best for those, although mine are aftermarket from Napa because thats what came with the truck when I got it.

 

yep. OEM. Unless you are gonna lift the truck then maybe consider high angle boots

 

Get some good oem remans. The new aftermarket cv axles use a simpler design that’s more prone to binding. (My driver side axle is a new Napa, passenger side is factory. You can tell the difference

 

Here are some comparisons...

OEM for 2003 from McGeorge, which has the cheapest OEM Toyota parts I've found online...

https://toyotaparts.mcgeorgetoyota....1bmRyYSZ5PTIwMDMmdD1zcjUmZT00LTdsLXY4LWdhcw==

CVJREMAN OEM remanufactured...

https://www.cvjreman.com/product-tag/9550/

 

Solid options, I'd add that I ran a NAPA HD axle on my Tacoma, also a good option as long as you get the HD option. Otherwise the boot is not made out of the TPR material that stock is.

 

Cheaper than Cool Springs on everything, or just on CV's?

 

In my experience with shipping factored in, they are cheaper on everything. Not a huge difference, but some. I have ordered from both. My general rule of thumb is if I found some good info on this site posted by Roman for something I'm ordering, I order from Cool Springs (support people who support us), but if it's all down to my own research, then I go with cheapest that I think is reliable. The below is an example. I ordered the window regulator from CS for my 2005, but I ordered the LBJ kit from McGeorge.

McGeorge..



Cool Springs

 

If your only problem with the axle is a torn boot get a OEM boot kit and just replace the boots.

 

My boots were torn for 7-8 years on both axles and never clicked or clacked or had mechanical problems. I’m sure debris entered the space, but they keep going.

I had them replaced during a front rebuild. Not sure what brand, but not OEM. Should have gone OEM remans in retrospect. These have about a year and half (12k miles) and are doing fine so far. They do bind a little more when in 4wd on turns than the OEM ones.

 

McGeorge will always beat everyone on pricing.

 

That pretty flippin unreal on the price difference on OEM vs aftermarket. $50 range to $200+....Thanks for the info. No clicking or anything from the shafts, will be replaced with OEM at tax time. Thanks for the info!

 

Indeed, OEM toyota prices are insane across the board.

 

If the axle replacement is something you can DIY, replace only the torn boot...and quickly. If you're going to pay the labor cost, then have the axle assembly replaced AFTER the CV joint begins to exhibit symptoms of failure. A Gen1 probably has enough miles to justify replacing the CV axle assembly, but the boots will crack/tear simply because of age, flexing, and physical damage. If the interior of the boot is not contaminated, you may get another 50K out of the CV joint. You can spend more money now, or you can spend more money after more miles.

 

I have replaced both of mine with front axle shafts from Advanced auto. The first was out of necessity on short notice after a hunting trip after driving through a few standing water areas. The axle was $85 or so with tax. Side by side with the factory axle, the replacement from AA had a much thicker driveshaft and the boots were larger on both sides. It ran 15k or so trouble free miles before the passenger side also needed replacement. I bought a second one from AA (they are the same both sides I believe). The first (drivers side) has around 90k trouble free miles on it now, the second (passenger side) around 75k miles . Has been a good cost effective replacement. Not a very time consuming swap either. And I believe the AA shafts have lifetime warranty.

 

I installed cardone axles from Rock Auto ($50 each) 35k miles ago.

I'm not saying they're as good as oem but for the price I could replace them four times.

 

1993 land cruiser catalytic converters are about 11k.


The older the vehicle the more the cost. They’re pretty much charging storage price

 

Well inventory is one of the deadly sins and Toyota is all about lean manufacturing haha