1999 4Runner CV axle replacement

[jataga]

Has anyone out there RECENTLY replaced their CV axles on their 3rd gen 4Runner and if so, what brand did you go with?

I was under my '99 4Runner the other day and saw the passenger side outside CV boot is completely torn and separated from where it is connected to the axle. My 4Runner is sitting at 285K miles so I guess I got my use of it. It's NOT clicking or popping or making any noise but I know it needs to be replaced. I went to the Toyota dealership and the mechanic said Toyota no longer makes these CV axles. He said he can still get the axles, but they are an off brand. WHAT?!?

 

[NachesPass4x4]

Keep your oem axles. Boot kit 04438-35062

 

[dkerr]

Keep your oem axles. Boot kit 04438-35062

I second this. It will take a little more time but if you are set on having OEM quality this is the way to go.

 

[ninethings]

Extended/High articulation CV Axle


Got a set of these maybe 2-3yrs ago and have zero complaints. They were like $300 and change for the set, lifetime warranty, etc.

The ONLY thing I'll say that's annoying about them compared to OEM is there isnt much surface to get purchase when pulling them. You have to take a lil prybar and pop off the metal dust cover closest to the diff and you can get purchase that way. Otherwise they've been great, they extend from the shaft so there's less boot stretching going on. I've seen dudes running them who beat the everloving shit out of their rigs, no complaints. And unlike OEM, they're pretty much readily available at any big box auto store same day. Register warranty, an issue, be back on the road same day with a new part.

 

[Endlessblockades]

I am happy with the TrakMotive EXTD HD axles. Cheap and tough and prone to surface rust. Paint the shafts if that matters to you.

Xtended Travel™ | TrakMotive

Location: FRONT
Brand: EXTENDED TRAVEL CV AXLE SHAFT
Part Number: TO-8043XTT
Part Type: CV Axle Shaft
Comment: Extended Travel - High Articulation, for lifted or stock suspensions, on or off road; Always Replace in Pairs

 

[jataga]

Thanks for all the help and considerations.

I was considering the extended CV axles and for the price/warranty, they might be worth it. I barely put any miles on this 4Runner anymore so I'm somewhat caught between two tuff choices:

1 - Keep the original 26 year old CVs, replace the boots and probably be good to go. Spend way less money.
2 - replace them with brand new CVs and worry less with articulation, "rebuild" the old ones and keep them as spares. Spend more money but get brand new stuff.

Either way, I'm pretty sure I will have to pull the entire CVs off to replace the boots so I'm thinking just replace the entire thing. Decisions decisions...

 

[dkerr]

Thanks for all the help and considerations.

I was considering the extended CV axles and for the price/warranty, they might be worth it. I barely put any miles on this 4Runner anymore so I'm somewhat caught between two tuff choices:

1 - Keep the original 26 year old CVs, replace the boots and probably be good to go. Spend way less money.
2 - replace them with brand new CVs and worry less with articulation, "rebuild" the old ones and keep them as spares. Spend more money but get brand new stuff.

Either way, I'm pretty sure I will have to pull the entire CVs off to replace the boots so I'm thinking just replace the entire thing. Decisions decisions...

Option 2 is similar to what I went with several years ago. I believe I was in a time crunch and had never pulled the CV's, so I opted to have a mechanic swap them out with some cheapo CV's (TrakMotive I believe) and give me the original OEM CV's to reboot. The boots on the TrakMotive's tore a few years later and I swapped them out with my rebooted OEM CV's. I guess this is just the constant struggle of a lifted front end.

 

[Boudin]

I replaced mine with Napa CVs, no issues. Kept the OEMs to reboot.

 

[brillo_76]

I had napa boots crap out. I only run oem axles stock height.. If lifted, you may have to go extended. Or put manual hubs in to stop the boots spinning.

 

[GhostRing]

I had napa boots crap out. I only run oem axles stock height.. If lifted, you may have to go extended. Or put manual hubs in to stop the boots spinning.

A bit more involved than just that, eh?
On 2nd Gens is gloriously easy, 3rds, no so much.

He would need Tacoma CV axles and maybe spindles if
he doesn't want to press out the bearings etc. for manual parts.
All of which is not nearly as bad as a reboot is made out to be.

 

[brillo_76]

A bit more involved than just that, eh?
On 2nd Gens is gloriously easy, 3rds, no so much.

He would need Tacoma CV axles and maybe spindles if
he doesn't want to press out the bearings etc. for manual parts.
All of which is not nearly as bad as a reboot is made out to be.

Yup.. I was just laying out options. I stick with stock height and OEM new boots and they last as long as the original boots do. Unless heavy off roading could tear it.

The manual hubs is how my one friend gets around his boots wearing as he is lifted.

 

[GhostRing]

The manual hubs is how my one friend gets around his boots wearing as he is lifted.

I'd do it in a second if I had more motivation!
There's so many advantages to good ol' locking hubs.
I'm just gonna stick with a reboot for my inners for now...

 

[brillo_76]

I'd do it in a second if I had more motivation!
There's so many advantages to good ol' locking hubs.
I'm just gonna stick with a reboot for my inners for now...

You Think that's bad...I have a set of manual hubs with the CV and knucles in inventory.....and I am not going to change them now..:-D I completely understand.