So, I installed OME springs (OME895s)and shocks several months ago. Yesterday I noticed that my inner CV boots are blown on both sides. I did an inspection and was unable to find any holes or tears, it appears that it is leaking out of the bottom where it seals to the shaft (see pics below). So, I'm planning on replacing the half shafts next week... what a great Christmas present! Anyway, my question is... do I need a diff drop? If so, who sells them? I didn't think the angle post lift was all that bad. My theory is that the boot is five years old, is probably starting to get hard and was unable to make a good seal at the bottom of the boot with the new angle and I'm hoping that the new boots will be able to handle it.

Thoughts??

Right side:


Left side:

 

http://www.toyteclifts.com/96024runn...024runnerother

$30 plus $10 shipping. Gives you a 1" drop and will be able to save those bad boys next time!!

 

Sometimes it is just simply the stretch in rubber and the worn stock clamps. Most people just put on new and better boot clamps and call it a day.
also by the angle of the picture your cv's dont look as bad as others.

 

Yeah, I didn't think the angle was that bad either. I'll replace them and keep the diff drop kit that Pitpatt mentioned in mind, 40 dollars is pretty cheap. Although I am wondering if lowering the diff 1 in. will cause problems with the stock skid plate. Guess I'll have to get my tape measure out.

Thanks guys!

 

Shoot! I wouldn't be worried about that. I've been running with completely torn upper cv boots for the last 2 years. I run my truck in in extreme conditions of which most vehicles have never even seen. From my experience I'd say you will get at least 100,000 thousand miles out of those cv's yet. To spend the money and the time in fixing that small "leak" is a bit silly in my opinion.

 

1. your boots are completely fine. it's not torn and just a bit of lube exploding from the newer angles it's experiencing on a 24x7 basis. just clean and you'll be back to stock.

2. diff drops on 4th gen 4runner are 100% worthless. the angles are not even close to being an issue so why waste your $. spend that $ on other mods.

3. half shafts are gonna cost you $$$. and back to #1, you don't need to do that.

 

Great, thank for the comments guys. I'll clean up the grease and return the half shafts then. I'll keep an eye on it but should I be concerned if it continues?

Oh, thanks for the info on diff drops GoodTimes. I'll leave that be.

 

I would be concerned. Looks to me like the problem is due to the boots not being as flexible as they once were, and if so, they will eventually tear.

Then you would lose all of the grease, as well as let water and dirt in, causing excessive wear and increasing the potential for breakage down the road due to the metal overheating (which I have seen the results of) and wearing thinner.

As it is now, if grease can come out, water and dirt can enter, although not nearly as bad as with torn boots.

I wouldn't replace the halfshafts, since the CVs are just fine. But I would seriously consider installing new boots.