Did it just over 4 years ago and am still happy with it.
When I first swapped I stuck the Taco spindles in w/o abs and unplugged and removed my front sensors. Since our trucks' speedo uses abs my speedo would work while driving until I hit any sort of bump and it would stop working until the truck slowed down nearly to a stop. Luckily I had access to a Tacoma speed sensor I was able to swap some parts for so I got my speedo back with a fairly easy install.
I have pulled the hubs apart and lightly regreased as maintenance, stupid cone washers. Not often, but it is an added thing. I'd rather do that than replace all those add boots/cvs.
When I had front wheel bearings replaced I subbed in my 4Runner's original spindles and got my abs back. I still use the Tacoma speed sensor anyway.
That lock ring is a BLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP! to remove! 203 ft lbs.
Used Toyota parts and had Toyota do the presswork. They squashed one of the brass bushings which Toyota does not offer separate, only as part of the hub.
ORS saved the day- he had the brass bushings and little inner hub bearing, thankfully.
The only reason I eventually replaced my oe Tacoma axle boots was as maintenance. They were 20 years old. Once. I've done it once.
The added 'can unlock if break axle' was my main reasoning, because of where we drive.
Would I do it again? Yep.
Has my husband done or plan to do it with his 99? Nope. He is happy with the 4Runner's cvs. At least, so far.
