Hey all!

Just replaced the passenger side CV for the second time is 2 years after the crappy neoprene boots tore. I went with a CVJ CV with the red silicone inner and the Toyota OEM outer. I have a 3" lift with a diff drop.

I'm wondering if I need to stretch this red silicone boot or if these fins are spaced enough the way they are. This is the 5th CVJ CV I've installed but this one is borderline to me. I hate messing with these red silicone boots because the clip is so tricky to get off without risking puncturing the boot, but I'd hate to see it tear prematurely.

What say you all? If the consensus is to stretch it, then I'll take any advice on how to remove these dang clips too. I feel like there's a tool that works well for that but I just don't know what.

Attached Images

 

Is this on the ground with the wheels on?

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Yeah it is. I have a feeling you’re going to say stretch it aren’t you? Any tips on getting the metal clip off?

The first two ribs look a little close for comfort, keep an eye on it for a couple of days, you'll notice wear marks on the ribs of their touching while driving. They'll have clean spots from rubbing. Post a photo of the clamp, if it's those fold over ones they're a pain. Usually get them off with a small flat head screwdriver. @y=mx+b can probably chime in with some knowledge

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I'd stretch it since they're kind close, shouldn't take too long. Not sure if CVJ uses the same style clamps as OEM, but this is how I removed the inner boot, small clamp on the OEM axle. If its another style clamp, I have pics of the other OEM clamps and how I removed them in here, since Toyota likes using 4 different clamps on one axle: CV Reboot Tutorial with Boot Stretch (80+ Pictures)


After removing that clamp, I would just toss it. I used smooth band worm drive CV clamps. These are essentially fancy hose clamps, with rolled/smoothed edges to prevent them from tearing the boot. I've had no problem with mine on there. I used these: Set of 8-Toyota 4Runner CV Axle Repair Clamps Kit, Leaking Boots after Lift Kit | eBay kinda spendy for some hose clamps ($20 for 8), but the smooth ones come at a price I guess

Never disappoints lol

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I do what I can lol, thanks!

If you don't want to keep an eye on it, stretch it. Otherwise if they aren't touching you should be good.

did you install that red boot over the old toyota one? You said it was CVJ brand? I think I mest up I swapped out the oe toyota one for an aftermarket one because of the bad boot. Good thing I havent changed the other one yet.

No, these are reman'd CVJ CV axles. I've rebuilt a CV axle once, and never again haha. I just go with CVJ since they're close to where I live anyway.