Anyone who has a lift found a good quality replacement for the CV joint axle?

[Ruffian]

So this will be the 3rd CV joint axle I'll have to replace. Not really all that bad considering I've had my lift for 7 years! I was thinking I wouldn't go OEM again and instead this time from something aftermarket that perhaps is made a bit beefier. Something made a little more rugged for a vehicle with a lift. I contacted a feller here in Nevada who makes them for Jeeps only and he pointed me to 4 Wheel Parts here in Reno. Anyone reading these boards have any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[Rocket61]

What made you go through 3 CVs?
I have 150k on my originals, 20k of those with a lift and diff drop kit. No problems at all.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

That is pretty weird... I have about 20k on my lift and I wheel pretty hard and I'm my factory CVs; about to do wheel bearings soon...

 

[Ruffian]

Not sure. Bad luck? I've done the drivers side once, and this is the 2nd passenger side to go. The boot ends up cracking open right in the middle and then I notice axle grease splattered everywhere. Could be the extreme temps in Tahoe with the extreme other way in Reno. Could be that I hit a rock in Colorado (Red Cone trail) on my front cross member and that has caused something is just out of whack. Anyway, I noticed the grease guts in Nov. and I'm going to drive on it as long as I can. I do plan on going down a tire size the next time around to see if that don't take a little edge off the angle.

 

[youngr]

I dont have any recommendation for beefed up CV's but I just ordered a set from CVJ and they seem to be pretty good. They only reman OEM axles and will only accept OEM as cores so thats a good start. They were at my door 2 days after ordering and the price seems pretty good.

 

[wkeryder4]

CVJ in Denver Colorado comes highly recommended from a few different forums. They do factory OEM rebuilds and they offer a beefier silicon inner boot for the increased angles with a lift. I'll be installing a pair this weekend and taking lots of pictures and possibly putting together a write up if there is any interest. If not just check my build thread later next week. Here is what they look like.

 

[swapmeet]

^^^ What he said. I need to get one from them as well. My inner passenger boot took a dive after I put my lift on.

They only take OEM CV's as Cores btw.... I know this because my CV's are not OEM and i'm hatin life.

 

[montijo505]

CVJ in Denver Colorado comes highly recommended from a few different forums. They do factory OEM rebuilds and they offer a beefier silicon inner boot for the increased angles with a lift. I'll be installing a pair this weekend and taking lots of pictures and possibly putting together a write up if there is any interest. If not just check my build thread later next week. Here is what they look like.

Keep seeing more and more of those CVJ with the red heavy duty boots, should of gotten those myself. I also went with CVJ but just regular boots and had to do the boot slide mod, it's been about 3k and no leaks or tears, highly recommend CVJ!

 

[Ruffian]

Thanks guys! So when you say core.....I'm hoping I can order a pair from them and then send them my old ones after they are removed. I need to call CVJ. Is this the correct shop? CVJ Axles - CV Axles & Steering Racks for all your needs

 

[youngr]

Thats the right place. When you order the axles you will pay a core charge. After you replace them you ship the old ones back to them and they credit you the core charge you paid. I think they like them to be shipped back within 30 days.

 

[Ruffian]

Cool beans! I just left them a message. I'm looking forward to this upgrade! My sincerest thanks again to all.

 

[wkeryder4]

So far I highly recommend CVJ and their upgraded boots. I just wrapped up installing them this afternoon and they really allow for better flexibility and higher angles. This is at full droop, you can see there is hardly any contact points for rubbing or tearing.

And here is a comparison of the rebuilds to the factory axles.

 

[Ruffian]

In Jeremy Clarkson's voice...Oh sweet baby Jesus!
I'm in love! Those are DEFINATELY in Ruffian's history of upgrades! Thanks!

 

[HammerHead]

What do they run?

 

[wkeryder4]

They are $330 plus a $190 core charge that you get back when you return your OEM axles.

 

[HammerHead]

Is there an easy way to tell ome vs others? I'd hate to send the old ones back and they say that they were not OEM.

 

[wkeryder4]

Yeah, they sent me this link when I inquired about them.
cvjaxles.com

 

[Doozi]

I do plan on going down a tire size the next time around to see if that don't take a little edge off the angle.

Tire size doesn't have any affect on the angle of the axle shaft… you'll just be a little closer to the ground. Do you have a diff-drop? At the upper limit, they can give you a little improvement that could make the difference. They don't change the angle very much, but it could be just enough.

 

[Ruffian]

Yes I had a diff drop for several years. I took it off after striking a rock with one of the diff drop spacers. The rock damaged the spacer, which dinged my cross member. Since I don't live in deep snow country anymore, I don't need the maximum lift height any more. What I need is to gain back a bit of mpg's and take some of the stress of the lift off my rig. I love my 4Runner & have had 7 wonderful years with her. I want that much more again at least! So doing right by the vehicle as she ages whilst maintaining/finding a happy medium to what I like is my goal.

 

[youngr]

Is there an easy way to tell ome vs others? I'd hate to send the old ones back and they say that they were not OEM.

take a look at the pics a few post up. Thats what the OEM axles look like. Aftermarket ones will be a different shape at the hub piece.