04 front axle and strut replacement

[dakine_999]

Too much filtering to do so thought I would just post a new thread. I need to front axles and struts/shocks and was wondering what you guys recommend and which brands to stay away from. I am just buying the parts and a mechanic buddy will be putting them on.

thanks

 

[berettashot117]

the reason there was so much filtering to do is because of the abundance of threads discussing this already

 

[dakine_999]

I hear you ........ let me try this. If I were to go the Bilsteins 5100 route, is replacing just the front ok or should I do all 4? Where is the best site to get front axles from?

 

[S p a r k y]

We need to know what you have, if you have xreas then you will need all four, and searching will tell you what xreas is. if u dont have xreas then you dont have to buy all four, but why would you want 2 worn out shocks and 2 new, buy all four.. Advance Auto is where I got my axles from, they are great.

 

[dakine_999]

Cool, thanks Sparky. I have the non-xreas version, 04 SR5 with V6. I have 129K miles on my truck so I will probably buy all 4.

 

[hamiltonj2w1]

Shockwarehouse.com

 

[DC runner]

the reason there was so much filtering to do is because of the abundance of threads discussing this already

HA! Someone with my opinion!

Changing shocks happens in pairs. Different loads. If you have a non xreas, then you don't need to replace all of them, unless you want to.

The reason front shocks/struts go far sooner than the rear is due to load. You rear is very light and doesn't get used much unless you are always loading your trunk up with lead bars. Your front, on the other hand, is always carting around the weight of the engine, tranny, and your fat butt....(joke!) That is a lot of weight.

The front also is where most of your braking power is, and with the laws of kinetic energy, where most of the shock wear comes from.

So, my TL;DR point. Unless you just want to blow some money on a sweet offroad rig (and who wouldn't) and since the internet has hurt your head and searching is hard , you only need to replace the front.

 

[dakine_999]

Alright alright ....... I deserve that! After doing LOTS of research, I think I have the shock thing figured out. My dilemma now is should I get OEM axles or aftermarket ones. Price is a concern but if from everyone's experience aftermarket stinks, than I guess you get what you pay for. Any thoughts specifically about axles and aftermarket ones?

 

[DC runner]

Do you need the entire CV shaft/joint? Inner and outer boot? Honestly, they are cheap. If you take in your old one (core), you should be able to get one at autozone for 100-200 bucks.

No idea what the stealership will charge you.

If price is REALLY an issue.. find you a pick and pull and grab one off a old toyota. My suggestion is, go aftermarket. CV shafts are so easy to replace, if it goes bad in 3 or 4 years, no worries.

Also. Most of the aftermarket ones are actually OEM's that were remanned anyway.

 

[dakine_999]

Do you need the entire CV shaft/joint? Inner and outer boot? Honestly, they are cheap. If you take in your old one (core), you should be able to get one at autozone for 100-200 bucks.

No idea what the stealership will charge you.

If price is REALLY an issue.. find you a pick and pull and grab one off a old toyota. My suggestion is, go aftermarket. CV shafts are so easy to replace, if it goes bad in 3 or 4 years, no worries.

Also. Most of the aftermarket ones are actually OEM's that were remanned anyway.

Cool ....... thanks for the response DC.