Extended Travel CV Axles?

Hi, all!

I'm wondering if I need extended range CV axles. Mechanic replaced both standard axles with more standard axles. I noticed less than 16 months later (but after the 12-month warranty, of course) that inner and outer boots on both axles were busted. I don't abuse the truck and hadn't had it on any terrain that should have caused this. 2" lift on the front. I really don't want to pay more than double for extended range axles if I don't need them.

There's also a shake that no mechanic has tracked down. I've been told that it is the drive shaft and that it isn't the drive shaft by different mechanics, but they don't want to actually remove it and properly inspect the u-joints. I suspect that I need to replace the needle bearing with the ECGS bushing. Just a side note in case anybody thinks that could have something to do with the CV axle problems. Oh, and 240k miles on the truck.

Thanks!

 

Welcome to TW..

 

Search function will be your friend here. This has been hashed out dozens of times. Summarily:

• OEM axles and boots are better than almost anything. If your mechanic swapped OEM axles with aftermarket, you got ripped off.
• Although it's easier to swap the entire axle, they can be rebooted for less.
• All boots are not equal. Aftermarket ones may last longer, like the ones CVJ sells
• You can "stretch" the boots so the bellows don't contact each other. This will have limited effectiveness with cheap boots
• The "extended travel" axles can be had cheap online (Trakmotive brand). The joints may articulate more but the boots don't seem to last long

As far as the shake, you're better off learning to inspect your own stuff. Driveshafts are easy to inspect, as is the needle bearing. Youtube it if you're not sure how.

 

HondaGM,. Thanks for the welcome.

PathFinder1776, Thanks for the response. Sorry for asking something that's already been discussed a bunch. I have a feeling I just got ripped off by cheap quality parts. I'm now thinking about just rebooting with a kit that includes grease, but the boots have been busted for like 6 months now. There's not even much grease left to sling. No clicking, so maybe the axles will still last a long time if I clean, regrease, and reboot them.