BajaRunner

Tore my inner CV boot.

Whos replaced the boots themselfs? How hard is it, and how long will it take. Do I need any special tools?

I just know its a messy job, but, I dont want to pay $150.

Ive already bought the Toyota boot. The guy at Toyota actually told me that the aftermarket CV boots were really cool, and you didn't have to take off the axle to put them on. They just wrap around, and then you secure them that way.

Does anyone know anything about these boots? I've heard that Downey makes them, but, I havent heard of anyone using them. They are supposidly made for lifted trucks w/o a drop down cradle for the front diff. Such as our toyota's lifted with spacers/coils.

Anyways, any links or information on some helpful hits to taking out the front axle would be appreciated. I did a search, but, I couldnt find anything useful.

-Ian

SloPoke

I have a tech article on Custom Tacos explaining it step by step. Sorry, no pics though. You can take a peep see here.

Hope it helps!

Flamedx4

The split boots don't work well. Even in a car where they don't get stressed much, they leak and don't last. It's a PITA to pull the axle and replace the boots, but if you use a quality boot it will last a long time.

keisur

I've done it a couple of times. takes about 1.5 hours per side from jack-up to jack-down to do a good job. I have pics if you want.

SloPoke

Keisur: Did you read my tech article??? The reason I ask is it sure would be alot more helpfull if it had a few pics of some of the steps I outlined. (of course, you'll get pic credit )

BajaRunner

The article is great.

Pictures would be ince too!

keisur

I'll send you the pics, and you set them in the article. is it in the tech section here?

EDIT: when I get home tonight I'll zip 'em up and email them to the address you gave me before.

Roadrunner

Here's a link with pics that should help you. It's for a Taco, but still should be of use.

Changing the CV Boots on a ADD Equipped Tacoma

SloPoke

Cool! No, it's not on YT.

I'll have to submit them to the CT honchos but it won't be a problem. Alot of guys over there use that write up so I'm sure they'll be happy to update it with pics and make it mobetta.

Not sure I'll get a chance to get online tonight but I usually do in the morn' before leaving for the office.

Thanks.

SloPoke

Thank you!!! Pics should be up next week some time, hopefully.

Good luck with the maintenance!

keisur

Ian, I wou;d suggest going ahead and replacing the outer too, since if that one goes next then you'll need to pull the inner to get to it. this way they're both new.

keisur

I just inundated SloPoke's email with a bunch of pics.

SC4Runner if you want the pics for your install then PM me your email and I'lll send themm to you.

SoCal4Running

They do make a CV boot that is a split style but you chemically weld them together so they dont leak.

keisur

I've seen those but personally I'd only use them to get off the trail or in an emergency.

BajaRunner

So...

How do I remove the lower ball joint? DO I need some sort of press?

midiwall

no no no! I almost made this mistake! And had I gotten it out, I would have really been sunk!

Don't pull the ball joint, look under it, and you'll see 4 12mm bolts. Those are the ones you wanna pull. With those loose, then that assembly comes apart pretty easily.

BajaRunner

Oh great! Thanks for the TIP!!!!

keisur

undo the 4 bolts under the joint bracket.

BajaRunner

I just used some PB blaster on them. They looked sorta corroted/rusty.

Im excited to start tomorrow.

Im thinking I need some special pliers to cinch down the metal fittings though.

keisur

for the outers I think you will. you can pick some up at autozone for cheap or just lightly and carefully use some side cutter pliers, that's what I did, be careful though and don't squeeze too much. the inners are just bend-over type so they are easy, no special tools required.