Remanufactured CV axle shaft vs. New OEM CV axle shaft

[abuck99]

Sorry dude- but here's some help to save you a little time.

This is the full list to RR with all new parts (not all are necessary its just what I replaced/updated when I did my axles last year). Pick from the list what you want to update and replace. Check for parts updates and pricing updates; its been a year since I did this job. I ordered from McGeorge Toyota.

 

[keepit100]

Sounds like whoever is installing your lift is lying to you. I’ve got a 2.5” suspension lift on my 100 and I’ve got Napa reman CV’s in there. Sure there is a little more angle on your CV but in my opinion it’s not even worth buying a dif drop to correct. Just my 2 cents! Good luck!

 

[abuck99]

I used to be a diff drop nay-sayer but I have come to believe for axle longevity it does help correct the angles enough to provide longer life to brand new Factory CV's. For the minimal investment I think its worth it (time will tell).

 

[Kofoed]

With a remanufactured you get parts inspection, new grease, new boots and a new band, right? Who knows what the wear parts looked like.

I am with @Clutchee (and bit the bullet and bought two new assemblies). The old ones get "rebuilt" with the toyota boot kit and go on the garage shelf.

 

[Kofoed]

I also replaced the front control arm bushes in the process and painted and cleaned everything up (after cv grease was slung all over the f-ing place) The rattles, squeaks and somewhat vague handling....gone

 

[Spike555]

I should have clarified, it was a private party sale and he had the dealership do the work. I guess I never expected a Toyota dealer to use non-Toyota parts.

I was told by the place doing my lift that the aftermarket CV’s can’t handle the lift so it looks like I have a CV swap possibly on my to do list. I’ll have to verify part numbers when I get back home.

A dealership shop is nothing more than a shop with a huge franchise fee to pay each year. They use aftermarket parts unless you specify otherwise or it is under factory warranty.
Hell, even the fluids they use are aftermarket unless you specify otherwise.
Oil changes are done by college kids and techs still in school. Tune ups and brakes are done by entry level techs. Only warranty work is done by the top techs, they can't be bothered by anything else.
You won't make any money on $25 oil changes if the guy changing the oil gets paid $50/hr.
"Dealer serviced" sounds good but means nothing.

 

[Austin Hot Shoe]

With a remanufactured you get parts inspection, new grease, new boots and a new band, right? Who knows what the wear parts looked like.

I am with @Clutchee (and bit the bullet and bought two new assemblies). The old ones get "rebuilt" with the toyota boot kit and go on the garage shelf.

did the same, bought new oem, no regrets.

 

[AllLC]

does anyone make any beefier aftermarket versions for lifted trucks? maybe somewhere between the price of toyota oem and autocrap?

 

[keepit100]

does anyone make any beefier aftermarket versions for lifted trucks? maybe somewhere between the price of toyota oem and autocrap?

I’ve got a 2.5” suspension lift with my king shocks and I’ve got reman Napa CV’s...believe it or not they’re rebuilt quite well and I’ve had zero problems with mine so far. Gotta love the warranty too

 

[bucfl]

So if there is a shake from aftermarket, where does one feel it?

 

[nissanh]

Aftermarket CVs got worn splines on both ends, and this contributes to front diff clunk. I have aftermarket cvs with new OEM hub flanges, but there is a play.
Camelback has a side for about $350.00. Anybody found one for less than that?

 

[abuck99]

Aftermarket CVs got worn splines on both ends, and this contributes to front diff clunk. I have aftermarket cvs with new OEM hub flanges, but there is a play.
Camelback has a side for about $350.00. Anybody found one for less than that?

Not sure when the last time you looked but 43430-60040 which is the complete axle @ $394 and free shipping at Camelback
$354 and $20 shipping +/- at McGeorge- and McGeorge does a good job packaging to mitigate shipping damage of the dust seals and axle stubs.

 

[abuck99]

I’ve got a 2.5” suspension lift with my king shocks and I’ve got reman Napa CV’s...believe it or not they’re rebuilt quite well and I’ve had zero problems with mine so far. Gotta love the warranty too

FWIW "re-man" is kind of misleading. By re-man basically they reboot, regrease, paint and put on the shelf for sale. As Nissah mentioned the axle stubs still have worn splines, worn bearing cages, there is no way to cut new splines or freshen up existing ones. You don't know if you will get decent splines or very worn splines. Either way this contributes to driveline slop. But if you're happy with the result by all means you saved some $$$ compared to new. On a long term hold I think new OEM is the best choice if you have the scratch to buy new especially on lifted truck.

 

[Corystrom]

Has anyone purchased CV axles from G2 axle and gear?...I’m looking to gamble and purchase aftermarket CV’s and see if they are close to lasting what my original Toyota CVs. They Are half the price of $350 I’ve been quoted each axle with Toyota.
I recall seeing G2 out at King of the Hammers but did not follow up them when there.

 

[nissanh]

^
When ever I buy an aftermarket, I always regret the money I put into it because, though it is new, won't perform the way like a toyota part.

 

[Kofoed]

Not sure when the last time you looked but 43430-60040 which is the complete axle @ $394 and free shipping at Camelback
$354 and $20 shipping +/- at McGeorge- and McGeorge does a good job packaging to mitigate shipping damage of the dust seals and axle stubs.

I bought mine at Norwalk Toyota, and drove down to pick it. The Cali sales tax was about what shipping from McG was, but I spent the travel time so that I could inspect the parts, especially the splines. To my horror, one end poked right through the box (vdry shttty packing) but the splines were unaffected.

 

[abuck99]

I bought mine at Norwalk Toyota, and drove down to pick it. The Cali sales tax was about what shipping from McG was, but I spent the travel time so that I could inspect the parts, especially the splines. To my horror, one end poked right through the box (vdry shttty packing) but the splines were unaffected.

First set of axles I ordered came as you described axle poked through and dust shield bent. After some packing tips exchanged, this was how the second set arrived; could have been thrown from the truck and be ok.

As they are packed from Toyota they are prone to easy damage, Mcgeorge adopeted a good packing protocol to limit shipping damage claims.

(....there is a cv axle in there)

 

[MattyO]

Toyota shafts are just a lot of money. I talked to a LC specific shop and they suggested Napa stating better quality. I replaced mine with what my local shop recommended. They have a lifetime part and labor warranty and much cheaper than OEM. I think OEM is always best option but if you can’t afford that there are some good aftermarket options also.

 

[bamabrock]

Has anyone purchased CV axles from G2 axle and gear?...I’m looking to gamble and purchase aftermarket CV’s and see if they are close to lasting what my original Toyota CVs. They Are half the price of $350 I’ve been quoted each axle with Toyota.
I recall seeing G2 out at King of the Hammers but did not follow up them when there.

got a link? I've wondered why the aftermarket doesn't have many stronger options for these trucks.

 

[abuck99]

got a link? I've wondered why the aftermarket doesn't have many stronger options for these trucks.

No one has developed a stronger alternative because for all practical purposes, the OEM CV for a land cruiser 100 is hard to out do. It is an excellent design, highly balanced, strong, lasts hundreds of thousands of miles- what more could you want? I have yet to see any mention of a broken CV component- cage, axle, bearing, tulip.