need front axle advice
 

long story (see this thread for background) short:
• i shredded my front axle boots 3yrs. ago (they remained open for 1 yr. before i replaced the boots).
• my front left axle is definitely clicking in 4wd and now more so in 2wd.
•my top front left ball joint appears to be darn-near-gone, post 4wheel session showing in massive left jerky pulling.

From lots of conversation, time, and my thoughts:
• left axle is binding (as is becoming more evident in daily driving, stop, hard turn = click to clunck) not only in 4wd but in everyday driving.
• it's forcing the balljoint, especially when i aggravate the dying axle and go 4wheeling.
• it's been 27,000 miles since i ripped both front cv boots, and 15,000 since i cleaned, regreased & rebooted them.

Should i just buck up the cash, order a new front axle and replace it myself?

At this point i realize the main problem is most likely my front axle. i knew it would be an issue at some point since i destroyed the boots with only 1200 miles on the vehicle. I've also come to the conclusion, correct me if I'm wrong, that my axles will never likely be covered by toyota warranty, since they only ever go after the boots have been ripped.

EG replace the know issue axle and see if that fixes it.

Am i nuts?

Easy answer is remove the axle and check it out by hand to see if that's the problem (put the shaft in a vise then put both the inner and outer joint through their complete range of motion to see if you can feel any clicking or binding). If the axle is bad, it should be quite obvious to you using this method. Not sure about the warranty covering the axles. I know for a fact that boot replacements are not covered under warranty at my local Toyota dealership. I'd like to think that the axle itself would be if it goes bad, but who knows?

I wish someone would sticky this, as it is EXACTLY the reason I say don't mess with replacing the boots, just replace the halfshaft/axle.

I have spare shafts if you are looking for one

I knew at some point it would go. in cleaning, regressing, & rebootin' i was just delaying the inevitable for as long as possible. Anyway at this point it seems i need to take it to a mechanic just to take a look (it seems my fiancée won't believe me, let it go till i do). So we'll see. it also seems she thinks it's ok to take it to someone and have them spend the time to figure out what's wrong then just do it yourself/take it elsewhere. I guess i'll just have to pay him for his time to make it right. ARG. (I digress.)

The intermittent nature of the symptoms is what is making this sooo frustrating. When it's obvious, IT'S obvious. Then it seems to fade and almost never happens when two people are in the car. however at this point from a stop, turning the wheel slightly and accelerating slowly I can get the (now) single pop from the front left.

buy a diamond front axle and do a sas its cheaper in the long run