Small gap between front differential and cv axle

So I’m planning a trip to California to see this band I really like, so I’m trying to make sure my Tundra will be ready to go for the 12 hour trip.

My old cv boot finally ripped not too long ago and I felt like I should just replace the whole thing instead of a new boot. I’ve got a lift on my truck, so to my understanding the Napa brand cv axles work well with heavy articulation.

So I slapped the new one in under 25 minutes about, but I noticed that there is a gap between the axle and dif. Refer to the picture below. I tried smashing that thing in with a block of wood and hammer at the nut end, but it seems like that’s as much as it wanted to go.

I drove with it. It’s nice. Is there anyone with Napa axles that knows if this is a problem?

 

Are you leaking at all?
I’d roll with it, some aftermarket aren’t the same as oem with how close it is to the punkin, and how it’s covered

 

As long as the snap-ring engaged and you aren't leaking, you should be fine. I temporarily ran a parts store axle and noticed it had a larger gap than OEM like that too.

 

That’s a negative on leaking. I will double check in the morning to verify.

 

Is that the NAPA HD axle or the regular NAPA axle?

 

Exactly this. Once the snap ring passes the point where it can no longer easily slide out, then it’s in deep enough. The seal, if it’s still good, is what prevents the oil from leaking out - not how far you ram it into the diff.

 

I don’t think the HD’s are in production anymore. Napa said they only have the one type available.

 

The regular NAPA axles are just like any other. The HD ones are for lift. Rockauto sells the same part under a different brand. I'd say that new axle will last you a while regardless.

 

Yeah, I realized that after I bought it and checked the part numbers. Still, I heard good things about the boots on Napa axles so I’m not overly concerned.

 

I had the exact same concern when I replaced mine. Then it hit me there has to be a small gap there. The axle is spinning, the differential housing is not. You would have metal on metal contact there if not for that gap.

 

Cool. No leaks today, so I’m gonna roll with it. Thanks.

 

Who is the band?

 

Haha I was waiting for that.
I’m going to see The Melvins

 

Our band could be your life
Real names'd be proof
Me and Mike Watt played for years
Punk rock changed our lives...

 

I like all those 80’s hardcore punk bands, they were all so nasty and original. Takes me back to when I was a young and very angry lad. The Minutemen are a band I haven’t listened to much I’ll admit.

Fun fact: My cousin is Kat from Babes In Toyland

 

I got their House / Arriba 7", I think through the Sub Pop singles club back in the day. Just checked, still got it

As far as female bands go, them and L7 were at the top of the heap, both on Sub Pop too! I was a big fan.

Hope she's doing better, I remember reading she had some issues leading up to their reunion a few years back.

 

That’s awesome dude. Most of my music collection is from Sub Pop.

Kat kinda lives her own life and I’ve only talked to her through writing letters, but I’ve heard she’s doing well and she has a son now named Henry. Here’s a photo a couple years back with my dad and my other cousin while on tour. This is in Portland.