joknrok

Long time reader, seldom have the time to post, but this question must be asked:
My '95 stock'runner is really starting to feel geriatric. It's a 3vZe 4wd 160k miles 5spd, 31x10.5 TA's...
The front inner CV boots started splitting a couple years ago. I was gung ho to just replace them, since I'm in the parts biz and can get them at cost, but tough times postponed it. The beast has been feeling extra crap in the front end lately, and I'm trying to figure out if I really need to mess with the axles now, or if I just need to address ball joints.

I'm sure the CV's are totally shot by now, though the 4wd still works without noise.
My main question is, does anyone know if front CV joints will screw with the front suspension components, or cause extra drag on the drivetrain that lowers performance/MPG. Is there really a good reason to replace them if I don't use the 4wd more than once every two months?

One other note: I have lots of steering wheel vibration on overload (acceleratin up a hill etc), which I imagine is a balljoint/steering damper issue. But maybe CV's?

Anyone who's dealt with this, or just knows their IFS stuff, I'd really appreciate advice on which direction to go in on repairs, since I can't do the whole front end right now.

Thanks in advance!