Torn boot, weighing pros and cons of re-booting vs new axles. Since I've got 17 yrs and 115k miles on my '04 4Runner V8 4WD, I'm leaning towards replacing the axles instead of just the boots.

I read one thread where it was mentioned that 5th gen CV axle is a direct fit for the 4th gen, even though the parts #s are different, that was the only thread I could find on this info. The appeal of that is that a 5th gen axles are about $100/axle less than a 4th gen axle.

Has anyone else gone down this road, compared the two, cups sizes, lengths, bearings, etc. and made a determination?

My concern is that the axles for the 03-09 4Runners may have had a little more beef in them due to the V-8. Would hate to find out the hard way and be stuck with an extra set of axles.

The 4th gen axles aren't beefed up for the V8.

According to RCV the same aftermarket axle part number fits:
FJ Cruiser ('07-'14)
4 Runner ('03-Present)
Tacoma ('05-Present)
Lexus GX460 ('10-'13)
Lexus GX470 ('03-'09)

IMO rebooting is fine with that low of mileage. These CV's last a very long time as long as they stay greased.

Yup they are the same. Only difference is the OEM boots are different. The 5th gen boots are better designed, but if you are buying aftermarket they are usually the same between both 4th/5th gen.

ill second that they work, i bought some from a wrecked 2013 and put them in my 06. fit perfectly

Ive seen them used so they fit, as stated its just boot differences.

That said, I have rebooted my OEM cv's twice on each side.. with 162k on them in the last 9 years. They are fine.

Toyota sells a nice kit with boots and grease. I did a how to over on the FJ forum. Look for MajorMiner.