Front Axle Replacement - OEM or Rebuilt?

[BillZ260]

CVJ if you go rebuilt, they are OEM only rebuilt axles. Reboot is great if you can do the work, and that is all thats needed.

 

[implayaz9]

CVJ is out of stock right now.. Will keep an eye out on them

 

[nissanh]

I am going back to OEM soon. Glad I didn't return on OEM axles when I did the front with aftermarket axles. The splines on aftermarket axles are not made according to what toyota did and with time, the gap widens and cna see some play. I have 15K miles on the set and I can spin the CV at the wheel hub about 1 mm.
Reboot OEM.

 

[gregnash]

I am going back to OEM soon. Glad I didn't return on OEM axles when I did the front with aftermarket axles. The splines on aftermarket axles are not made according to what toyota did and with time, the gap widens and cna see some play. I have 15K miles on the set and I can spin the CV at the wheel hub about 1 mm.
Reboot OEM.

Mind sharing what AM axles you used? For instance, the PO put some cheapo ones that 4WP installed for him into the truck. After research (as it just says CV Axles on the invoice) I was able to find the p/n and find they are Sur-Track/Import Direct axles which are known to have issues. While OEM would be nice... it can be cost prohibitive (currently at $400+ each) for many when you are looking at doing a full rebuild in the first place.

 

[nissanh]

Mind sharing what AM axles you used? For instance, the PO put some cheapo ones that 4WP installed for him into the truck. After research (as it just says CV Axles on the invoice) I was able to find the p/n and find they are Sur-Track/Import Direct axles which are known to have issues. While OEM would be nice... it can be cost prohibitive (currently at $400+ each) for many when you are looking at doing a full rebuild in the first place.

I bought that from Advance Auto. I just checked my old CV's and those don't look like OEM either. I don't know what to do now!

 

[gregnash]

I bought that from Advance Auto. I just checked my old CV's and those don't look like OEM either. I don't know what to do now!

Reading through the multiple CV threads, there really is no "in-between" option due to warranty and lack of experience. Most axles have limited lifetime warranties that state something to the effect of "not intended for offroad use or use with oversized tires". This is what ends up getting most of us in the event that something does happen with the axle(s).

In one of the other threads, one of the guys stated that the Cardone axles sold by multiple LAPS and found on places like RockAuto are highly regarded by the GX470 community and often preferred over the OEM. There are some here that have had good and bad experiences with both AM and OEM axles, so take everything with a grain of salt. From my research there are no "chromoly" axles produced out there for the 100 series which causes some discomfort for some. When time comes for me, and it is coming shortly, I plan to go with the Cardone HD axles (noted in multiple threads) along with replacing a lot of other parts. HOPEFULLY that solves my issues, but one of the upgrades that will be happening this year to ensure the system is kept as healthy as possible will be to replace the front diff bushings (huge thread on it) as well as do a diff drop bracket to lessen the axle angles.

 

[implayaz9]

@gregnash.. I looked up Cardone HD axles but couldn't find anything. Where are these sold at?

 

[gregnash]

@gregnash.. I looked up Cardone HD axles but couldn't find anything. Where are these sold at?

They are same as the NAPA MaxDrive, so your NAPA auto will be selling them under their own name.

 

[implayaz9]

They are same as the NAPA MaxDrive, so your NAPA auto will be selling them under their own name.

Ah ok.. Looked them up on their site.. they have so many options.