NAPA Drive Axle (CV Axle) Differences?

Life is too short to not use Oem parts.

 

Hello Lady’s & Gentleman

I have now 7 Tacoma 4X4 in the fleet.

Some are TRD and some are unmarked.

However, I have just gone thru this Design 1 and Design 2 issue with Cardone a manufacturer of aftermarket axles that NAPA sells.

They advised me that Toyota has a different part number for the axle in the second-generation Tacoma TRD than for the other second-generation Tacoma 4X4 pickups.

And Cardone does not make or rebuild the axle called out by Toyota for the second-generation Tacoma TRD 4X4.

Now as a follow-up on that statement I have been using the NAPA axle in all of our second-generation Tacoma 4X4 without issue.



Phil P

 

Thats not true. All "Trd" options are just "base" model trucks with a TRD option.

Check out the "fitment" section of this page. All (2nd/3rg gen) 4wd tacomas have the same shafts.
https://parts.olathetoyota.com/oem-parts/toyota-cv-axle-left-right-front-4343004071

 

Now as a follow-up on that statement I have been using the NAPA axle in all of our second-generation Tacoma 4X4 without issue.

I did not say they were different. Just that both my dealer and Cardon tell me the Toyota part number is different for the TRD than the standard Tacoma 4X4.

Cardon takes the position that their axle only replaces the axle for the standard Tacoma 4X4 this is probably a liability dodge issue their lawyers have advised them to take.

NAPA doesn’t even acknowledge there is a Tacoma TRD.

Phil P

 

Now for all of you:

Just what is a TRD option?

Phil P

 

The Toyota OEM parts catalog shows all the Tacoma 4WDs take the same axle. It even calls out TRD pro, TRD, SR, etc. Look at the link I posted above.

sounds like your parts department and napa are confused.

 

Check out this screen shot from the "Fitment" section. Thats all the models of 4wd Tacoma made.... both engines, and all trims.

Beware that a TRD package will pull up in the Toyota VIN lookup as a "Tacoma Base" They only called them different toyota models for the 3rd gens. I've seen some great used car deals when dealers dont realize they are selling a TRD option listed at base prices. (although now thats not happening due to the chip shortage)


CV Axle (Left, Right, Front) - Toyota (43430-04071)

https://parts.olathetoyota.com/oem-parts/toyota-cv-axle-left-right-front-4343004071

 

Still no regrets running Napa HD $120 axles. I will continue to run them as long as I’m stock travel on the front end. The lifetime no questions asked replacement warranty is unbeatable. We’ll see if they tolerate locked front end and 37’s but they have been fine with front end locked on 35’s.

 

Also FWIW here is my cv angle with my 2.3” lift and 37’s and “full armor” lol

 

I’m in the boat of needing to replace my CVs on my taco. 52k miles lots of off-roading and broke one not being responsible after letting things get to me after spending lots of time getting another rig unstuck in a freezing creek. I ended up just slipping out the shaft to get out and home. Napa has three new cvs for our trucks. I don’t see a HD one though. There is one for $122 (NCV 944082)another that looks very similar for $120 (NCV 944052). I think those are the same. Then there is the extreme duty one for $220. Do you know what one your running. With inflation and prices changing I’m double checking that your $120 CV didn’t go up to $220. Thanks!

 

Go look at them in person if you can. There part numbers are very unreliable

 

I'd check for a dealership reman axle. I've used them on Sequoia and Tundra, they were always good quality. They're cheaper than you would expect

 

They have changed their whole lineup offering since I ordered. I just look for their most expensive non reman one and buy that

 

Awesome thanks! Happy trails!

 

Those CVJ high angle axles outer black neoprene boots start cracking in 6 months. Completely tore apart in less than 2 years and I don’t even off road.

Seems like Napa is constantly changing their cv axle product numbers. But after reading this thread I’m getting the extreme environment with thermo plastic boots NCV 941532. Hoping they will be in stock soon enough.

 

Soooo, what is the consensus here? NAPA Axles still going strong? I might get some of the HD ones real soon here since I have blown boots on both sides. 1 outer, 2 inner.

I have a 1.5” lift with a camburg UCA, stock LCA’s and a stock spindle. The shocks are extended travel, although I doubt I get that much more travel at all. I’m sure the axles would be fine.

 

I’m also curious about the non-OEM axles.

Does the warranty cover torn boots?

 

Anyone know what the difference is between part # NCV 944052 and NCV 944082? 944052 was showing first edition and 944082 was showing second edition in the store.

 

Lesson learned - DO NOT try to pull out a Chevy 2500HD by hooking up to the front recover hook and reversing in full turn. The angle of that CV boot and torque put on that literally exploded the outer knuckle. Alas, I had replaced my CV's a few years ago and had that 1 covered. I decided to pay the difference to upgrade to their newer "Extreme Weather" version. We'll see the test of time and demand on the CV's here in Western Wyoming as I'm not too easy on my rig, but take good care. We have harsh winters, I hunt and camp, etc.

 

Dont pull in reverse anyway.