Best Reliable Half Shaft Replacement?

[TNPhoon]

Tuck this Fruck.

What started off as a simple ball joint repair on the passenger side has now turned into a well, gotta replace the axle now too.

So was curious what the best reasonably priced place to buy an axle is now? I was reading through here and see that people had problems with the remans from Napa in the past. Are they better now? Rebuilt replacement at NAPA is ~$60. Or AutoZone Duralasts? Just want to see what the opinions are now on the best replacement so I am not doing this again in 3 months.

FWIW, stock height.

 

[sytyguy]

Re: Best Reliable Half Shaft Replacement?

Just about all the new shafts are built overseas anymore, so almost all are of the same quality. I haven't bought one in years, but a local owner got a pair rebuilt at a local driveshaft shop and was elated with the quality and cost.

Otherwise, my advice (and what I'd probably do), grab one locally and just inspect it heavily before leaving with it. Check the slop in the joints, check the boot fitment and flexibility at different angles, check the splines and threads, and make sure all the clamps look good on both boots. Visual inspection isn't 100%, but it could prevent a premature failure before you even take it home.

 

[TNPhoon]

Re: Best Reliable Half Shaft Replacement?

Good to know. Thanks Mike! Think imma go with NAPA since they are just down the street from the house. lol.

 

[DaveP]

Re: Best Reliable Half Shaft Replacement?

I have had terrible results with offshore replacement axle boots. These are the same boots as the ones on the replacement "Lifetime" axles. I had them tear open on the DD in less than three years and perhaps 25-30K miles. The OEM originals last over 20 years and 250K miles. WTF?

There are OEM equivalent boots available, but they are about $40 each. These are what I went with on the DD, hoping to never have to clean that mess up ever again.

Beware the "soft" replacement boots. They don't last very long.

 

[atkonkler]

Re: Best Reliable Half Shaft Replacement?

It's the rubber they use its too soft...boots rip to easily....see them show up sometimes months later. ..torn open. ..don't think they stand up really well to ozone or chemicals they put on the roads up here....imo that is.

 

[Norm]

Re: Best Reliable Half Shaft Replacement?

I pulled the ty out yesterday to do some gt ready for summer stuff. Looked under the frontt end and saw the inner boot on the driver side split over the winter. I guess the -40'c stuff was too much for it. Now I know what I have to do this week. Shouldn't take too long, I figure 1 hour or 2 at the most.