cv axel - to replace or not to replace

[BRob2756]

When I first bought my truck, I was told the CV's were just done (had receipts to prove). After inspection, I found that the passenger side, outer boot was torn.

I called the guy I bought it from and both CVs are new enough that they are under warranty. Good news. The bad news is that these were bought from O'Reilly and the OEM CVs are long gone.

I am hearing some intermittent pops in the front end. Nothing repeatable and not the classic axel tick. But I'm thinking that the Driver CV (new that is not torn) may not be the best quality.

My question is, would you rather take the free, replacement passenger CV and run both until they need replacement? Or replace both passenger (new but torn) and driver (new and not torn) with a higher quality CV?

The cost difference is about $600 and change. Would like to get truck back up to snuff but had a stereo and speaker upgrade planned with that $600!

Thanks for all help.

-Rob

 

[fjfowdie]

I would go OEM if it fits the budget, and warranty you after market for a spare. If you have more than 150k i recommend replacing the outer drive flanges as well.

Chad



@BRob2756

 

[SurfSwitch]

OEM is 100% the best way to go. Nitro makes a Chromoly axle for $200 which is potentially a great axle, but I have yet to hear of anyone running them. Most aftermarket ones can't match the articulation of OEM so they vibrate terribly or just wear out quickly.

 

[jemsec]

OEM and don't look back. The after market axles rarely work out, if ever. The additional cost will be saved when you don't have to replace them in a short time.