Trail swapping CV axles?!?
- Thread starter atalarico
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Boort
Member
I'd be all ears on this how-to as well.
ajordan1975
New member
With tools, and a bottle jack.
Find a level spot and start working.
I've seen guys swap CV's in 30 min's on the trail.
Find a level spot and start working.
I've seen guys swap CV's in 30 min's on the trail.
WhiteBoomer04
New member
Yup, that. ^^^^^^
The only difference for me compared to working in the driveway would be:
- finding flat ground can be challenging
- needing to use a ground sheet
- using a hi-lift instead of a trolley jack
Other than that, it's pretty much the same thing as doing it at home.
atalarico
Senior Member
Ok, I mean I get that the location specifics and using a hi-lift, but do you guys seriously carry every single tool needed?
There’s the huge axle nut socket, handful of other sockets, a torch for me to ever hope to get the lbj bolts off, crow bar to get leverage to get it out of the diff, Allen wrench to loosen and tighten the sway bar link, diff fluid to refill what you lose, one of those seals that goes against the hub, loctite, and a torque wrench to make sure shit doesn’t fall off on your way home. I’m sure I’m forgetting things too.
There’s the huge axle nut socket, handful of other sockets, a torch for me to ever hope to get the lbj bolts off, crow bar to get leverage to get it out of the diff, Allen wrench to loosen and tighten the sway bar link, diff fluid to refill what you lose, one of those seals that goes against the hub, loctite, and a torque wrench to make sure shit doesn’t fall off on your way home. I’m sure I’m forgetting things too.
First, I've never done it on the trails. That being said, with the exception of my breaker bar, torque wrench and "special tool" to help tap out the axle, and of course the axle itself, I can bring everything needed in my tool bag which is probably 12x12X10. The other stuff can easily fit in my drawers or my OEM storage compartment in the trunk.
As for the seals, the new/replacement axle usually has the outer seal already on it, so you don't need to worry about that. If you need to salvage a seal for some reason, then be careful and replace it when you're back in the comfort of your driveway. If you want to, carry an extra bottle of diff fluid, or, since you can now get off the trails, limp your way off the trail to an advanced auto and top it off.
Just my opinion, and the way I see things if I ever have to deal with a broken axle.
4Reak Show
New member
I have minimal overall experience, but when I go out, I bring a lot of tools. Like a LOT. Deep sockets, shallow, 1/4" 3/8" 1/2", wrenches, and array of pliers, hammer, pry bars, a multimeter for electric diag, electrical connectors and wires, Allen sockets and more. I also bring one front axle, one UBJ, one LBJ, inner TR, outer TR, pitman arm, idler arm (mines a second Gen so a bit different steering), A front brake hose, rear brake hose, universal brake hard line, universal fuel hose 1/4 and 5/16, radiator hose, a heater hose "U" to bypass, belts and bunch of other little stuff. All these things I consider would strand me if they failed. So, I carry an extra of each. Packed right all the parts are in a 20"X10"x10" durable tool box, all hand tools fit in a carry tool bag about 14"x6"x6". Not much space for the value of it.
My point is that it's better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. Period. You don't need to do a 1,000,000,000 mile fix on the trail. The point is to finish the trail, limp home or tow it, and then fix it right if need be later on. All that being said, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. So keep up on your rig, and don't go overboard on abuse on the trail. Be aware. My uncle has off-roaded in an 87 pickup and has never broken an axle. He also knows what to do and what not to do. Challenge yourself? Sure. But be prepared for what the results of the challenge bring.
My point is that it's better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. Period. You don't need to do a 1,000,000,000 mile fix on the trail. The point is to finish the trail, limp home or tow it, and then fix it right if need be later on. All that being said, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. So keep up on your rig, and don't go overboard on abuse on the trail. Be aware. My uncle has off-roaded in an 87 pickup and has never broken an axle. He also knows what to do and what not to do. Challenge yourself? Sure. But be prepared for what the results of the challenge bring.
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WhiteBoomer04
New member
Yup, I carry a ton of tools. And a lot of people have appreciated that over the years!
I carry four bags of tools. One is for battery operated tools - impact wrench, drill and an additional tire/mattress inflator. Then
(2) sockets and screwdrivers,
(3) wrenches, vice grips, circlip pliers,
(4) misc tools (including specialized tools, pry bars, hammer, mallet, fuses, electrical wires and plugs, and various sealants/lubricants eg JP Weld...)
Pay to play...
I carry four bags of tools. One is for battery operated tools - impact wrench, drill and an additional tire/mattress inflator. Then
(2) sockets and screwdrivers,
(3) wrenches, vice grips, circlip pliers,
(4) misc tools (including specialized tools, pry bars, hammer, mallet, fuses, electrical wires and plugs, and various sealants/lubricants eg JP Weld...)
Pay to play...
I actually do have all the tools to change one of those on the trail. And a complete axle in the truck. You just need the big socket (or a pipe wrench if you dont' have the axle nut socket), an axle popper tool and a breaker bar for some 1/2 sockets and a ratchet. And a cross peen hammer- definitely a hammer. I have never gone on a trip and not used my hammer.
I don't think a 4runner will even start without a hammer installed.
I don't think a 4runner will even start without a hammer installed.
