Toyota 4Runner/Lexus GX470 CV Axle replacement

[@jailbreakoverlander]

Thanks Jimmy.

[@wholebetter]

Best video ive seen so far with all the info thats needed. Thanks !!

[@thatone3116]

Great job Jim! I'm not sure what I'm more impressed with - your awesome work, or how clean your garage floor is.

[@atm4jim]

Haha, a bit of OCD, thanks.

[@matthewhirschy6902]

Thanks so much for posting this. Used it today. Couple hrs to do both sides. I m happy.

[@atm4jim]

Please to hear it helped you. Thanks.

[@n1civicsi]

Nice instructions. How did you pull the seal out of the diff?

[@atm4jim]

Thanks, I ended up re-using the old seals as I was nervous about the installation without the proper seal tool and having it leak. The old seals were in good shape, surprisingly even after 20 years and even after all these years, it's still not leaking. of course, your mileage may vary.

[@Paiadakine]

What coating is on your garage floor? How does it hold up with the Jack and Jack stands? Any chipping? Thanks for the vid.

[@atm4jim]

Epoxy, 3 thick layers so it's holding up very well (commercial version). Only down side is this type of epoxy is not UV resistant so it can yellow over time with sun light. There have newer type that's UV resistant.

[@MS-ij1tq]

Excellent video. I was wondering were you able to fit the new axle through the hub without detaching the tie rod end? - Thanks.

[@atm4jim]

Yes, I didn't remove the tie rod, only the 2 bolts on the lower control arm which Toyota made easy as you don't need a ball joint separator as shown in the video @ 5:56 mins. I didn't even have to do a wheel alignment, YMMV.

[@MS-ij1tq]

@@atm4jim Brilliant. Thanks again.

[@logangill9052]

have you painted or put rust protector on the frame of this car? It looks so clean especially the lower control arms.

[@atm4jim]

No, it's probably because it's a west coast car and I don't drive it in the snow often. I know, it's ironic because from what I've read, it very capable off road and in the snow.

[@wally6193]

damn the underside of your GX is like new, where do you live that it gets to look that good?

[@atm4jim]

Haha, I guess I hardly drive it in the snow or off road but it's my daily driver. I'm in Cali. Thanks.

[@wally6193]

@@atm4jim okay that figures.

[@GrapefruitP]

Hey Jim, great video. Mind sharing where you got those screenshots showing the torque specs? Looked like some sort of manual?

[@atm4jim]

Sorry, I don't remember but I think I just searched online and used results from Google images.

[@teolotec2957]

Hi, How is the after market axle hold up? Still working good? Mine is tear and need to replace asap.

[@atm4jim]

Working great so far, no complaints, I still can't believe the price I got it for the quality (YMMV), I still haven't bothered to changed my boots on the old OEM one and will probably end up replacing with this same aftermarket when the boot on the passenger side wears out.

[@teolotec2957]

@@atm4jim Thanks for reply. I'm gonna order and changed mine soon.

[@jmac13131]

@@atm4jimany issues with the cardone yet? Just purchased a 2005 with 138k and both OEM cv boots are torn. Considering the same axles you installed.

[@atm4jim]

@@jmac13131 Still working well and no issues, thanks.

[@Pennychaser1]

Awesome vid? So axl nut is 35mm?

[@atm4jim]

Yes, 35mm, I got mine from Amazon, ABN axle nut socket for about $10 a couple of years ago. Looks like they're a few dollars more now.

[@juantovar2935]

Your video is so helpful!! Mine came out really easy 2 pulls with the pry bar and it was out!! Thanks!!!!

[@atm4jim]

Nice! I think it depends on the position of the circ clip

[@wally6193]

Jim, could you tell me if they are any numbers on the old axle, like a part #. Toyota told my mechanic that he needs to get the numbers from the axle to make sure they supply the correct one. I guess the toyota part number 43430-60061 isn't the only number they need. Nice floor, ha-ha, nice GX too.

[@atm4jim]

I just tried looking for a part number on my old part but I don't see it, sorry.

[@wally6193]

@@atm4jim Hi Jim, do you have the boots off the shaft. I 'm just wondering if the number(s) might be under the boots. I only ask because my mechanic says that Toyota's warehouse (where the mechanics and shop owners shop)says he needs to get the numbers off the shaft to make sure they send him the correct shaft. I find that odd considering when I talk to the local toy dealer parts guy he gives me the same part number as I get off of the "Toyota Direct Parts" website. It's not like I don't trust my mechanic as I've been going to him for 35 years and he was my neighbour at one time, but something smells with this one, ha-ha. Thanks for the info.

[@atm4jim]

@@wally6193 No boots are still on and too messy to tear them apart unless I'm going to replace them which I haven't even bothered to do yet as the passenger side is still good. I may even just replace it with the same aftermarket as I've been impressed with their quality so far, may not be worth the time and hassle to me to re-boot.

[@wally6193]

@@atm4jim No problem. I would think that if there were numbers on the shaft they would no doubt be in the middle portion and not under the boots. Well as long as you are happy with the jobber parts, personally I won't buy any parts unless they are real toyota parts. I suppose if I was looking at selling it in the next year then I might buy the cheaper parts. It's just proven that the real parts last so much longer than the jobber parts. Hell if it was a Chevy or dodge or ford then the jobber parts are probably better than the OEM, ha-ha. Thanks again.

[@wally6193]

@@atm4jim Hi Jim, sorry to bother you again, were there any numbers on the splines or any where on that whole part? Thanks again.

[@bowmaster24]

How has the aftermarket axle held up? I have a 100 series LC and can’t justify an oem axle prices on stock suspension.

[@atm4jim]

So far, it has been doing great, well worth the price. I have read some people having bad luck on aftermarket axles but mine has held up well though I don't do any off roading. I still have the OEM which I haven't bothered to change the boots as I'm not looking to that messy time consuming job.

[@512TXSDIY]

Great video. I’m going to do this tomorrow on my GX for driver and passenger side. Do I need to grease my replacement axle on both ends with anti seize? How hard is it to remove the bearing that you didn’t replace? Lastly, where do I refill differential fluid?

[@atm4jim]

I didn't use any anti seize on mine. I'm not sure what you mean by bearing. If you're referring to the seal, then it shouldn't be difficult, especially if you have a pick/hook tool or a small screwdriver will probably work, just be careful not to scratch the surface where the gasket seals. The fill plug is towards the middle of the diff, you can see it at 12:45 of the video.

[@512TXSDIY]

Jim Wong Perfect. Thank you.

[@frederickhernandez8413]

Do you know if I could find the pitch fork axle popper at any auto stores? great video!

[@atm4jim]

sorry, I'm not sure, though they should have something similar, I got mine at Amazon.

[@Shalmaneser1]

I'm hoping someone will do a full video on replacing OEM GX470 struts.

[@Asmodeus-he2jx]

Next time check out CVJ axles. Especially if you are lifted.

[@atm4jim]

Yes, that's another great option from what I've read. Thanks.

[@TheTube1868]

What's the model number of your Milwaukee impact wrench used in the repair? thanks

[@atm4jim]

I have a couple of older models, 3/8in 2754-20 rated around 200 ft lbs that I use an 3/8 to 1/2 adapter for wheel lug nuts (not ideal but works okay) and I have a higher torque 1/2 inch (heavier and bulkier) rated about 400+ ft lbs. But newer models are even smaller and lighter and have higher torque capability where mid torque is 450 ft. lbs. and high torque is 1400 ft lbs.

[@GreggyGTV]

Thanks for the video, I just changed mine also but there is some seepage from the seal now:(. I guess I have to buy a new deal and redo this. Mine took a bit of force to hammer it in, I didn’t try to line anything up, “pin at the bottom “, does it only go in one way? The spline shaft looked the same to me from what I could remember. Any ideas in the seepage?

[@atm4jim]

I think aligning the spring clip at top/bottom helps with the insertion, otherwise it shouldn't matter. The seepage is most likely the seal and/or the replacement shaft diameter fitment especially if aftermarket. I've read some quality issues with aftermarket CV axle. So far so good with mine from Cardone HD Select. Is this the driver side? If so, I think I have one that I bought and didn't use as I reused my old one.

[@GreggyGTV]

Jim Wong thank you, mine was for the passenger side. I got the cardone hd like you did

[@michellejohn695]

Nice job and nice garage.How much is the factory part?Where do you live as the under carriage looks great.I have a a 2004 GX470 and there is so much rust underneath. NJ winters and salt...:-(

[@atm4jim]

New OEM I think are over $500, cheaper to buy rebuilt OEM from CVJ Axles. I'm in CA.

[@stefan3225]

Michelle John I also have a rusted GX, next time front end needs works it’ll get a solid axle. Already swapped the rear for a locked 8.2”...

[@stefan3225]

Any issues arise from reusing the seal?

[@atm4jim]

It was a bit of a gamble, but so far so good. My old seal did look good which is why I decided to reuse. But you may not be as lucky, so I suggest replacing it. Just be sure to install it correctly and evenly.

[@rich3782]

Great video, thanks for posting.

[@thatradkid]

well i wanna be you when i grow up. don't have a Porsche yet, but i'm modifying the heck outa my gx

[@atm4jim]

Thank you! Well my GX has proven to be super reliable, had it for 15 years and has almost 200k miles. The only downside is MPG and sloppy handling as expected, wish it had KDSS was wasn't available in 2003. My Porsche is fun sporty car but requires a lot more maintenance and parts are super expensive, again sort of expected. I buy OEM parts instead of from the dealer and DIY to offset the costs, otherwise I would probably go broke.

[@cutthroat2273]

professional video, nice editing and thanks for sharing the knowledge, you are a good man!

[@atm4jim]

Thank you!

[@thehegt]

Dear sir is the Cardone axle you install still good on the car after 5 years ? We only use it locally and some highway cruise

[@sunottellin]

Very helpful video, Thank You!