I HAVE A 95 4 RUNNER AND I NOTICED ONE OF THE BOOTS IS SPLIT ON THE CV SHAFT.DOES ANYONE KNOW IF THIS IS HARD TO FIX MYSELF OR SHOULD I PAY SOME ONE? ARE THE PARTS EXPENSIVE? I THINK THE SHAFT NEEDS REPLACED ALSO.DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY TRICKS TO DOING IT QUICKER AND EASIER THAN THE MANUAL? THANKS FOR THE HELP.

I READ THE manual about the operation required and was quite scared. I am at best a qualified driveway mechanic, and it seemed that a puller and a torque wrench were needed. I think that the way the hub is assembled is what makes it so hard. I took mine to Toyota dealer to get done. Jay

It really depends on your ability and tool selection. It is a job that could be done in the driveway but could be tough with out proper tools. Whatever you do don't use one of the quickie "split boots" that lets you do it without removing the axle. They rarely stay together for very long and don't allow you to get the grease into the joint like it needs to be.

Replacing the entire axle with a rebuilt one is easiest but a little more costly. If you have a lot of miles on the truck it may be a wiser choice than just fixing the boot.

IVE INSTALLED THE MANUAL HUBS FROM DOWNEY,SO WOULD THE SPLIT BOOTS BE OK SINCE THEY ONLY TURN IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE?

Split boots just don't work very well and they still are stressed with manual hubs because they bend when turning which is probably why they fail anyway. When you install boots you need to clean out the old grease and fill the joint with new grease which isn't possible without taking the axle apart. You can probably find a rebuilt axle in a parts store for between $100-200 and end up with new joints and boots on both ends and get a warranty too. If you can install hubs and brakes you should be able to get the axle in.

Talljohn is correct, in that the boots continually turn and bend, even when 4X4 isn't being used. I've seen many split boots fail soon after installation, resulting in frozen/worn bearings. You can get Toyota remanufactured complete axles (including boots) for $225.00 at your local Toyota dealer. They're genuine Toyota parts and carry a great warranty. They're basically like new axles. Having the correct tools, workspace, and a degree of patience are the essentials in installing your own axles. It's not difficult, just tedious. If you've never installed them before, use a digital camera to photograph the disassembly of the caliper/hub assemblies. Label everything. It will go together the same way it came apart. Also, you might want to consider installing both axles, as they generally wear out at the same time. If you've discovered one torn boot, the other side is soon to follow. You might as well get it all out of the way, so as to not have any worries when the other boot/axle will require replacement. I tell my customers that extending the life of their boots is simple. Occasionally take the vehicle through a car wash that has underbody washing. Also, spray a non-petroleum based protector such as silicone or the one-touch tire care products on the boots (steering boots as well). Doing so will dramatically improve the life of the boots. Erick Faust Service Advisor O'Brien Toyota/Scion Indianapolis, IN talljohn68

YOUR RIGHT,THANKS FOR THE HELP