been off the site for way too long, but still have my 97 T4R. am wanting to change the front axles due to ripping of the boots after a 2" isn gaining lift. I know most may say to reboot, but thinking I may just go the replacement route.What are the BEST, other than OE, axles now available. Who's had good long term luck with aftermarket axle assemblies???? what manufacturer??? I remember EMPI used to have a pretty good rep. Any others? Thanks Bob
BEST 3rd Gen aftermarket front axles
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shootmymime
New member
i replaced mine with new lifetime warrenty from oreilly fro about $66 i replaced both of mine and have a 3.5" lift on them and no diff drop.
been on for about 4K miles and running like new.
snow junky
New member
stretched boot autozone/kregan axles or do sas
I guess when I said "BEST" MTD really meant it. I just need OEM style. What about rebuilt as they, probably, use OEM axles vs Chineese "new" ??? Also been reading about CVJ rebuilds. Anybody have experience with these? Mine are not making any noise, but the right side has been ripped for some time and probably getting pretty dry. I want to do this before winter. Also want to say thanks to everybody who's chimeing in. Ive been off the site for a while and forgot how good it feels to have brothers and sisters looking out for us. THANKS!!!!!!
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Millerad1651
New member
NAPA has been mentioned quite a few times around here as quality replacements. They have a lifetime for $100 or so, and a 2yr warranty one for $60 I think. That would be the route I would go when I replace them.
MojaveMadMan
New member
I am a firm believer in a "planned" weak spot. I like the idea of factory or NAPA/zone/etc axles because you know where the break will be every time. If you start bullet proofing axles, then when something brakes it might be a diff or something a lot more spendy... I know with axles that it is fairly an easy job considering the alternatives, it can be done on the trail with minimal tools, a spare is $100 and small enough to carry with little issue. Add in the fact that many are life time warranty, it doesn't cost you any money to get a new one when they break, how many people can say that about diffs and such? MY 2 cents, go to any of the box stores and buy 3!
lhsoulrebel
New member
Cvj's are fantastic! Save your money and go with those. I got them w/ the extended off road boots. Haven't had any issues... Approximately 500 off road miles, and 34k on. Highly recommended.
shootmymime
New member
so your telling me there are :girl: on this page to?
19963.4lsr5
New member
I like my brand new half shaft from NAPA. And it looks identical to the OEM shaft I removed.
It was 100 and no core. So I kept the ripped boot one as a spare.
It was 100 and no core. So I kept the ripped boot one as a spare.
KidVermicious
New member
The best? RCVs.
Don't be standing when you look up the price tag, and if the Lotus axles are out of your budget, don't bother looking up the RCVs at all.
Sorry to bring this back. Was looking for alternatives to CVJ axles. When I bought my 96 4runner the p/o had installed CVJ axles. Needed to replace since the boots were ripped. I got a new pair of CVJ axles with the upgraded red boots. It's only been 2 years and about 20k miles, with hardly any wheeling (life has been busy) and the passenger side boot is ripped all the way around. I contacted CVJ just to let them know I'm not happy with their product, they asked for pics. Haven't heard anything back, but it is a holiday weekend.
So I was mainly looking for suggestions on other cv axles. Really just want to SAS it already, just finances aren't cooperating right now.
So I was mainly looking for suggestions on other cv axles. Really just want to SAS it already, just finances aren't cooperating right now.
pluton
Senior Member
I have no special experience with CV axles and boots. The '97 I drive I bought in 2013 had 120K miles. I lifted it a full 2-2.5" immediately. When parked, the axles seem to sit at about 5-7º angle. Now, at 10 years and ≈85K miles (and maybe 2K miles wheeling) later, the OEM axles and boots are still there working fine. Based on this experience, I'd get OEM new if they were available, and OEM Toyota remans as a second choice. I assume the Toyota-supplied remans are decently good, but they're also fairly cheap and if the booties last like the originals, I shouldn't be looking at premature boot failure. for a long, long time.
SocalRunner15
New member
This makes a lot of sense! I used fvp cv's on mine....but i have the oem one...just need to reboot it.
SocalRunner15
New member
I was going to get a cvj axle but the price and also the core charge kept me from doing it... Wasn't worth the hassle of sending the thing via ups. Got a rockauto fvp one instead. So far very good
JoeT4R
Senior Member
I went with the Napa Heavy Duty axles (p/n 1258) and have had excellent results with them so far over the last year and a half. The boots have held up well, too. Here's the link to them on Napa's website, although you can find the same axle under a different label on different websites. I chose to order mine through Napa. This was based on the reviews from another T4R user here, I just can't remember their name. But he left a convincing review that I decided to go with them as well.
Link is below.
NCV 941258
Link is below.
NCV 941258
