I tore my front axel boots on my 05 runner last year up in the Vineyard. Never got the boots fixed. So it's been a year and i'm preparing to go up this year for a week. My question to all you experts out there is: should i replace my front axels pre-trip?

My quandry comes down to thinking that even if they start to click while up there (which they haven't thus far) that they still won't be useless. So i would be fine to replace after i get back. Then again i worry that even though they aren't clicking now, if they break while on the beach it will effectivly ruin my fun on the trip (which it would). What advice do you all have for me?

 

If they break when you are at the beach, then it will make your trip more of an adventure!!!
I say do it after, so that they will nice and fresh when you get home and not all sandy. Just my opinion- if you dont feel safe its understandable.
-Mike

 

nice font i feel like im getting yeld at

 

Me? Or fly? ^^^

 

So this thread has yielded very little response. I've got another question: Does anyone know where I can find some clam-shell style front CV boots. just to regrease and lube them so they don't get more exposed to sand on my upcomming trip?

 

I suggest getting the backup and take it with you, Leave the old one in till its trouble.

 

Thanks for the reply VooDoo. But because of a lack of tools and facilities on Chappaquiddick I'd much rather just clean and regrease, then slap some quick boots on my front axels from the comfort of my own home.

I've done a bunch of searches and some up with nothing as to where to get a "quick-boot", "clamshell" or "snap-lock" cv boot kit for my truck. Either way i'd image the outter cv boots have (i hope, i hope) to be close to those of the 3rd gen. I've got 1.5 weeks to get them and install. I'd appreciate any leads on where to find some of the snap-on boots.

(my logic: I figure it will prevent 1 yrs. worth of grit from doing more damage and prevent further damage from rolling the beach while on vacation. I like to follow the fish so in the week i'll probably put around 30-40 miles on the sand alone... which i'm thinking with wide open boots and next to no grease would quickly lead to non-functional front axels. )