1999 CV Axle replacement

Here's my question, has anyone out there RECENTLY replaced their CV axles on their third generation, 4Runner and if so, what brand did you go with?

I was under my '99 4Runner the other day and saw the passenger side outside CV boot is completely torn and separated from where it is connected to the axle. My 4Runner is sitting at 285K miles so I guess I got my use of it. It's NOT clicking or popping or making any noise but I know it needs to be replaced. I went to the Toyota dealership and the mechanic said Toyota no longer makes these CV axles. He said he can still get the axles, but they are an off brand. WHAT?!?

 

Is he saying that they will NOT come in TOYOTA packaging? If so, I call shenanigans.

I find it really hard that TOYOTA would ever do that. I haven't checked parts availability but if TOYOTA lists them as available, they will be OEM in TOYOTA packaging.

I would still buy OEM through a TOYOTA online parts dealer.

 

I'm pretty sure Toyota went to reman cv axles only (for the 3rd gen) some time ago and I'm not sure they are even doing that anymore. If you have to go aftermarket I recall NAPA had a good track record at one point.

 

Did a quick search and Toyota CV axle
43430-35030 if new
43430-35030-84 if reman
All come up as discontinued/not available/out of stock.

 

When I ever need to replace the CV axles on mine, I have no problem going the aftermarket route. I don't need the vehicle to last me another 20 years, so I'm not going to spend what Toyota wants for "their" part. Even if I was into rock climbing off road style driving, I wouldn't stick with OEM, I'd be looking at some kind of upgrade over OEM - but still aftermarket.

 

Yeah, I would say I'm shocked but I'm sure it's all about $$$ and Toyota manufacturing parts for a 3rd generation vehicle isn't cost effective. Also, maybe these CVs are very very reliable and seldom go bad compared to others...? Replace the boots and off you go.

 

If it is just the boot that is ripped, get the kit from Toyota and rebuild the CV. Its not very hard to do if mechanically inclined. It is very messy however. $500 for a new axle, or $70-80 for new boot kit. This of course is assuming you can get a boot kit for the older 4runners.

 

FYI, Summit Racing has aftermarket CV axles that are much beefier than OEM for under $200 each. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/gna-ncv69142xdp

 

Just to clarify, the $500 quote is for OEM for an 08 4runner/FJ Cruiser. This is why I chose the reboot option. These axles look like a much better option.