Broken cv axles. Rcv axles worth the price.

I don't remember which one. I want to say at the time they had a few tiers and I got the best (priciest) of the 3 options -- but it wasn't bad and I figured it would be a good spare to have on hand. It's actually worked out fine but when I jack up the front that wheel comes off the ground about ~1" sooner than the other. It's my OEM one that is clanking a bit right now.

 

Yeah, that was the best one they offered.
So I went with it. Even though I ended up not using it.

There was a restocking fee on returns.
So I just kept it.

 

I have had many NAPA axles

-cardone reman
- and a trakmotive reman that looked new and had hd outer boots. Outer joint noticeably smaller


Now I’m on OEM

 

I carry a spare also couldn't replace it out there lol

 

Just 2wd it out of the trail with lockers on. Came home took the front diff out and opened it up to get it out

 

damn that sucks. Sorry

 

That’s why. Those parts store axles are absolute junk just like many others have said.

 

That is probably true statement.
But I did do my research when looking for an aftermarket local parts store axle.
A few guys have run the Napa Axle pretty hard on the trail. They seemed to hold up better than others.
Are they as good as OEM? I highly doubt it. Which is why I put my OE back in.

@singletrack_ftw @anthony250f

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/napa-drive-axle-cv-axle-differences.599207/#post-20127984

 

I’m not going to sit here and say that a $120 NAPA axle is the same build quality as an oem $700 unit, but your “holier than thou” attitude isn’t necessarily accurate. I’m not sure everyone can afford to keep replacing with OEM units and I’m not sure that even makes sense if you wheel hard. I personally run NAPA HD’s and their lifetime no questions asked warranty is impossible to beat. I just got a new one a few weeks ago - sweet deal. You can keep throwing all your money at oem toyota axles, it’s your call. But what you said isn’t accurate in my experience

 

I daily drive and wheel “hard but responsibly” with the Napa axles & I have a front locker and 35’s for a while (recently upsized to 37’s). Again - what has been said absolutely bashing Napa axles isn’t my experience. Here was a pic from the other day when I replaced one leaky boot Napa for a brand new one (that was free under warranty from them). That axle was on there for a while. Good enough for me but that’s just my experience. Also yes I realize the c clip wasn’t seated correctly. I fixed that prior to install. Also - I don’t buy Napa REMAN, I buy their $120 versions.

 

I had zero issues, however went to OEM just incase. The OEM is significantly higher quality when I compared them side by side

 

Notice how much smaller the outer joint is. I had the same thing with my “new” napa. REMAN is same size as OEM.

 

3 years of hard wheeling on RCV's and I've had zero issues with the Nitro 5.29/ARB front diff. And this is in a 3rd gen 4runner so a smaller 7.5" clam shell. I used to be in the leave the CV as the week link camp. After breaking 11 of them I decided I'd take my chances with RCVs. I haven't changed a CV on the trail since. lol

 

IME - side by side, the NAPA HD wasn’t a sub-OEM quality appearing or feeling unit. It simply wasn’t the case. YES I REALIZE ITS NOT THE SAME and I realize NAPA is lesser quality - but to anyones eye holding the two - it was a bit of a wash.

 

Both of those axles side by side are NAPA hd’s. I used a wide angle setting on my camera skewing the photo that’s all

 

I noticed that on the Napa CV the C-clip only goes about 3/4 or less around the axle.
When I pulled my OE axle it was the same way. Oddly enough, my OE axle came out and went in “really” easy. Popped it loose with a pry bar, and shoved it in. Both went in and came out on the first try. Never been that lucky before, I know Honda axles can put up a real fight.

I’m thinking the C-clip not being “all the way around” makes it easier?

 

There's a guy I follow on youtube, I believe it's "Dirt Lifestyle". He had a dude on there with him when he was installing a long travel setup and RCV axles. The guest was explaining how the Tacoma clamshell diff is actually really strong because of the way the clam shell keeps the pinion from 'climbing away' from the ring gear. He's been running (I think) 37s with long travel for quite some time and has never had a diff issue. I believe he even said they'd not seen or hear of a problem with them. The way they were talking, the Taco clam shell diff is actually pretty tough.
Your mileage may vary and you can't believe everything you read or watch on the internet, but it did make pretty good sense.

 

Pick n pluck an OEM axle out of the junk yard. Cheaper than buying the sub standard pot metal ones from poop boys.

 

Here’s what mine looked like

 

Hah, neither of the ones I bought came in that packaging, so guess there are at least 3 different manufacturers for those axles. The ones I bought were the HD/premium boot versions as well.