2007 4Runner Sport 4WD, 340,000 miles

Both of my front inside boots are seperated so its time to replace. I had made the mistake of replacing Toyota axle assemblies with aftermarket (OReillys with lifetime warranty). I want to go back to the Toyota axle assemblies.

Checking with Olathe Toyota parts center, 43430-60062 is the latest, and correct, axle assembly per my VIN. Shaft Assembly Front Drive 43430-60062 | Toyota Parts Center
Also, with this latest part number, Toyota requires a new lock nut hwhich happen to be on back order along with unicorns. Nut Lock 90177-28001 | Toyota Parts Center

However, I have seen discussions of guys using the 5th gen axle assemblies in the 4th gens (bolt right in). Reasons why are improved boots and cheaper. Does anyone have any direct experience using the 5th gens in 4th gens?

Thank you and any guidance and direction is much appreciated.

I've read they're compatible. Personally, I've never had to do it so I can't tell you first hand. Why not look into reman axles? I don't know if there's any in stock but call them up and see if they have any available.

https://parts.lakelandtoyota.com/p/_...306008284.html

Yeap, they work no problem.
I swapped both of my CV Axles with 5th gen part in summer of 2022. No problem so far.

Part Number Part Name Price Quantity Total
43430-60082 CV Axle (Left, Right, Front) $311.03 2 $622.06
90178-28002 Nut Flange $3.84 2 $7.68
95381-04045 Pin Cotter $1.25 2 $2.50
43514-28010 Wheel Bearing Dust Cap (Left, Right, Front) $20.09 2 $40.18
95381-03225 Lower Ball Joint Cotter Pin $1.25 2 $2.50
90171-14042 Outer Tie Rod Castle Nut $3.60 2 $7.20

Ordered from TRDshop.com

About 10k miles ago I installed OE 5th gen CV axles (43430-60082) with OE diff seals (use 2” PVC cap to hammer in), and National 710573 wheel bearing seals (use hub cap to hammer in).

5th gen CV axles are reputed to have better boots, but otherwise similar or same as 4th gen axles.

I changed both my front axles with remans last week. I did passenger first, thinking it was the only one I needed and noticed the driver was bad when I was under there. After the first time I did the passenger, the diff seal was leaking. I definitely recommend replacing that but be careful doing so.

I'd also recommend buying OEM knuckle seals along with both axle/diff seals. Be careful putting them in. I changed out that passenger one 3 times due to putting it in too far and one time slightly crooked. The lip of the seal will protrude from the diff housing if done correctly. I also stopped using the seal driver for diff seals, did it mostly by hand, and used a punch to even it out and finally get them set. No more leaks after a week but it annoyed TF out of me to pull that passenger axle basically 4 times in a week. I did use the seal driver for knuckle seals.

This thread helped me to get it right - 3rd time replacing leaky front axle seal with OEM. Why does it keep leaking ? | IH8MUD Forum

The Reman axles are very low in inventory. I called many places and dealers told me I could only order one if I came in. I went in person to my local dealership parts people that are familiar with me and they were able to order two from New York. IIRC, they said 5 total remained.

This thread has the process and some good info:
CV Replacement Tutorial with New Seals (120+ Pictures)

dropping to confirm that I'm on fresh OEM from toyota 5th gen axles in my 4th gen with no issues (other than having to change to the new style nut since the newer axles do not have the hole for the cotter pin).