Damaged axel after 1" lift

[flipinoc]

I just purchased a stock 2003 LC and one of the mods that was completed was a 1" lift using the slee 30mm rear spacers and adjusted the torsion bar, it looks leveled without much droop. After I got it done there wasn't any pull so I waited a couple of weeks to get it aligned.

When getting it aligned the mechanic showed me that the axel was leaking very badly and needed to be replaced.

Could the damaged axel be caused by not having any droop? And how many hour job is it to replace an axel? The mechanic is also recommending that I upgrade to a UCA like SPC to avoid this issue again. Is that a valid recommendation.

I'm a noob at all of this and just getting started with off roading.

 

[ga12r1]

I just purchased a stock 2003 LC and one of the mods that was completed was a 1" lift using the slee 30mm rear spacers and adjusted the torsion bar, it looks leveled without much droop. After I got it done there wasn't any pull so I waited a couple of weeks to get it aligned.

When getting it aligned the mechanic showed me that the axel was leaking very badly and needed to be replaced.

Could the damaged axel be caused by not having any droop? And how many hour job is it to replace an axel? The mechanic is also recommending that I upgrade to a UCA like SPC to avoid this issue again. Is that a valid recommendation.

I'm a noob at all of this and just getting started with off roading.

Your front axles likely just need to be rebooted. There are tons of info on this, it's easy to find with a search. Also the UCAs have absolutely nothing to do with your cv axles leaking, the leaking is caused by the change in ride heigth. SPC UCAs can help with getting caster back in spec after lifting.

 

[ga12r1]

Oh., and welcome to the addiction

 

[cmck]

Ditto the above, plus improved clamping using the pfrans cvboot clamp kit. Torn or cracked boots is a reboot. Just leaks or ozzing try the clamps. Sometimes the boots get a set to them over the years and leak. The clamps stopped all the leaks for me.

 

[montegofd3s]

Like these guys said....refill with grease and reclamp, or install a new boot, fill and clamp. Shouldn't need a new CV. Check out PFRAN.

 

[abuck99]

You'll need to confirm but If you have the original factory CV- you can reboot them with Toyota parts for about $60 per side + labor (if you don't do it yourself).

Reading here, it seems not many shops like to reboot vs replacing with low cost aftermarket (Napa) CV axles because the reboot labor is nearly the same cost at replacing the axle all together.

What most corner shops don't realize is the 100 series factory Toyota CV axles are different than other Toyota models, they are a much better design: stronger, longer lasting than the aftermarket replacements.

You can add grease and re-clamp as a short term measure, but once boots start leaking, they are indicating (warning) it's time for re-booting. If re-clamping how long you go before the boot actually tears depends on: overfilling with too much grease or not, correct clamp orientation, how tight you have them and your use: street or off-roading. In my experience, rebooting with the Toyota kit and using their included clamps, parts and pre measured grease works best.

Repeat: Make sure you don't discard the factory CV axle.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

May also want to think about a diff drop to decrease some of the angle on the CVs.

 

[TheForger]

Not saying this is what you are facing, but in some circumstances if the boot has lost enough grease and that joint has dried out and been contaminated with dirt, it may be time for a new CV. Yes dirt ingress and a dried joint can be cleaned and regreased to almost 'like-new' quality, but if you drive on a leaking CV boot for a long time without addressing it, the dryness + dirt ingress can cause wear on the CV axle that would require replacing it. Depends on a lot of factors I guess and most likely you are not in this group, but I just figured I would play devils advocate for a second since I've had an unaddressed CV axle fail on me before

 

[jblatl]

On a side note, if you raised the back 1" and leveled with the front you most likely are up a good 2-3" in the front.

If that is the case, make sure you are not damaging your shocks and you may need a diff. Drop kit.

So I completely agree with Trunk Monkey, visit SLEE for the part.

 

[flipinoc]

Thank you all for the information and replying so quickly. Appreciate everyone's response.