Ok here's my question:

Will the front CV axle I purchased from Advance work on my ABS-equipped 3rd Gen even though the part is listed as working with a Non-ABS vehicle.

Advance and other similar part places have changed to a different axle manufacturer/rebuilder so things have changed within the past mont. Before this change, I purchased one side and there weren't any different choices (abs/non-abs). There was only one to choose from, and it installed/works perfectly. However, 2 weeks later, I go to buy the other side and the guy says that it's changed to an ABS and a non-ABS version of the axle. The non-ABS would be available within a couple days (I have it now but not installed) and the ABS version would take 2 weeks+ to arrive. I don't really have 2 weeks to wait around for a new axle. I need my 4wd in the mountains here since we get snow every few days. If anyone knows about this situation or has dealt with a non-ABS version of a front CV on an ABS-equipped 3rd gen., let me know what I should do. Thanks.

 

Only thing different I notice is that the outer half of the ABS version has an extra silver "seal" thing that connects to the back of the axle spindle.

 

I can't say for certain, but aren't all 3rd gens equipped with ABS brakes? I can't really see how having/not having ABS would affect the CV's, I thought they pretty interchangeable for multiple years/left/right.

 

The axles for the ABS and non ABS equipped 3rd gens are the exact same part......

 

If there is a difference it would be a 'tone wheel' on the spindle end of the axle for the ABS sensor to read. This is not needed for rear wheel only ABS. I cannot imagine the factory making different parts, but rear-only ABS axles (perhaps earlier ones) might not have the tone wheel but would be the same in every other respect. Therefore the axles rebuilder has to be sure and label ABS compatible axles on for the ones that have the tonewheels.

 

He's talking about the front CV axles NOT the rear axle, the tone ring is on the spindle in the front and doesn't affect the CV axle assembly. The rear axles are the same reguardless if it's ABS or not, the bearing and tone ring get pressed onto it...

 

I'm using my buddy's shop tomorrow to install it and we'll see how it goes. Hopefully the piece that isn't included on the axle I just purchased won't matter. Maybe I should've just used the 25% off deal through the Toyota Parts guy on here. $225 + 25% off = $168. Not bad for a new factory part.