So I’m new to 4Runners but a long time TLC gear head. Since buying my 09 4Runner I’ve been going through everything I can to make this as reliable a vehicle I can. I am a new 4Runner convert 100%! My question is why and how can the cv axles be so much less than the birfield axles? Especially since there are two angled joints opposed to the one on birfield. I know that most birfield are heat treated and chromoly that adds to the price but why does the cheapest birfield cost almost 5 times more than a CV? granted ive never had to replace a birfield before but looking at 2 chunks of metal I would say the one with more bendy parts would be more expensive.
New to CV’s why so inexpensive?
- Thread starter Bleu62
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2016 4Runner SR5
Senior Member
What brand shafts did you buy? You can buy $40 axles but you'll get $40 axle quality.
Inv4drZm
Senior Member
Highest price to performance ratio is buying used OEM CV joints on ebay or from a forum member with low-ish miles maybe even grease leaking a little already, and rebooting/regreasing yourself. This is pretty much what CVJ does themselves. In my experience, you really don't need RCV unless you're running the King of the Hammers or something. I've never broken a CV and nobody I've wheeled with has broken a CV that I have seen.
Don't try wheeling with the aftermarket/$40 CV's if you can avoid it, and I don't think you'll have issues with the OEM ones, CVJ or rebuilt yourself.
Don't try wheeling with the aftermarket/$40 CV's if you can avoid it, and I don't think you'll have issues with the OEM ones, CVJ or rebuilt yourself.
4RunnerAquasport
Senior Member
I've gone with the $80 to $100 aftermarket CVs before and had fitment issues with Napa, 40-50 mph vibration issues with an auto zone, decent luck with Carquest but also had fitment issues with them once. Last one I bought for my 5th gen (same CV as 4th gen), I picked up a Toyota reman from my local dealer and they fit perfectly, spin smooth as silk and so far are worth the $140 imho. Durability? Time will tell.....But I don't do a lot of Rock Crawling here in FLA.
What dealer did you purchase from?
That’s some good info. As far as my vehicle I got a low mileage Urban Runner edition and I am going to de-XREAS it as soon as I can for a 3inch lift. Both of my front CV boots are torn up and have almost no grease and need to be replaced. Searching for a good replacement is what spawn the question of why these cv axles are so much less expensive than birfields. I will look at CVJ and OEM but if I ever need to replace them for any reason RCV has the best warranty hands down. Piece of mind may be worth a few extra dollars far from home.
4RunnerAquasport
Senior Member
I think mostly it's a supply and demand thing as far as prices. Tons more vehicles out there with CVs and a lot of them cross match like the 4th and 5th gen T4R. I see your in Alaska? That in itself may be a good reason to have a good warranty. Good Luck and Happy Holidays!!
4RunnerAquasport
Senior Member
Mike Erdman Toyota in Cocoa, Florida.
Inv4drZm
Senior Member
Lotus makes some axles too, $625 each. Probably not quite as strong as the RCV axles though.
RCV is working on a gen II set of axles as we speak so it might be worth it to wait for those. https://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-...-toyota-4runner-ifs-4600-build-thread-20.html
Though I think anything other than OEM cv's with a 35" and under tires is a waste of money.
Billynath1988
Senior Member
Also worth mentioning.. If you put over built CV's in a stock front diff.. you move the weak point to the front diff. Id rather replace a CV on the trail then a deal with a broken front diff. OEM are plenty strong unless your doing something wrong or running extreme setups.
Drunner97
New member
Unless you're going to lock the front and start rock crawling, OEM is fine. I've had good luck buying used OEM axles on ebay with free shipping for 50 bucks and then rebooting them.
I've got a set of AutoZone axles on the rig right now for temporary use and I tore a boot on the first trip out which was just a desert run to go shooting. They'll work fine to get you home but I agree with not running them for wheeling. I just rebooted 2 OEM axles that I need to swap in then I'll get the torn boot one replaced under the lifetime and keep them as trail spares.
^ This. If you lock the front it does actually strengthen things up, but the spider gears basically become the next weak link. For the type of wheeling that the majority is doing OEM is fine and they'll never snap an axle in the dirt unless they're doing stupid shit. Crawling is a whole different ball game, but you aren't going to see many people risking body damage on the trails that are going to snap axles.
