I was wondering...one of my boots is torn on the outer passenger side CV shaft. I was wondering, if it was ok to drive with the shafts out of the truck? I kind of want to make this a project for my auto tech class, but some of the students I dont trust, and I dont want to leave my truck at the school. My other boots are going out soon too, and I was thinking that I would just replace both shafts. But would it be okay to just drive it without the shafts in there? or what...if not I will just get it done professionally because I am pretty sure I dont have the right tools to do this!

 

1. Just replace the whole halfshaft assembly. Don't waste time messing with the boots and having an unknown result. CV axles are $69.99 after core charge at Autozone or Advance.

2. You do not need any special tools. 17mm wrench, 10mm socket, flat screwdriver and maybe a prybar.

3. Shouldn't have to leave it anywhere - takes 45 mins or less.

4. Yes, on the first and second gen runners, you can run without the CV axles installed (you can NOT do this on third gen runners and Tacos), but you should put something in the hole on the backside to keep the spindle bushing from being contaminated.

Lastly - search. There are several writeups on here (including one by myself) on how to replace a CV axle and options to do while you're in there.

 

I was going to just get full shafts...have to talk to my dad about it, he will be the primary monetary helper...lol I also need to get my idle air control valve fixed...might do it at the same time!

 

just curious tc, as to why 3rd gens can't but first and seconds can? Just trying to learn here

 

I think its because of locking hubs or not?? Mine has locking hubs, so I am guessing I can!? I wont, but it is possible!

 

Manual versus ADD hubs.

 

Full Float versus Semi-Float. Similar words huge difference. Manual hubs on 86-95, 79-85 are all Full Floating and have bearings you have to "pack".

96+ With ADD and non-locking hubs have sealed bearing. Here is a twist Non-ADD Base Tacoma with Manual Hubs have sealed bearings, but are full floating.

More here.

http://www.sonoransteel.com/junk_yard_manual_hubs.html

 

Yep (Well, except that it's 86-95 with either manual hubs or ADD)

On the newer ones, the CV shaft helps hold the bearing in.

 

Yes but it's more complex than that so I did not go there. 86-95 with ADD can easily switch to manual hubs, cheap and easy. 96+ to switch to manual hubs is a SF to FF conversion as well. Because as stated above with the SF the axles hold the bearings in.

So you see 86-95 was a FF IFS where as 99% of the 96+ IFS is SF.

All good data here. Bottom line small $$$ for 95 and older, BIG $$$ for 96 and newer, with 03+ 4Runner and 05+ Tacoma not even an option.