Lifts & CVs

[PigSti]

I've heard that lift kits can shorten the life of CV joints rather dramatically. Has any one experienced this?

 

[mr turbo]

They can, but generally only if you go for a lift that's 3''+

I've got 30mm raised springs & 25mm strut top blocks & had no (actual) CV failures yet.
Sure I've replaced them 2 or 3 times, but thats due to the rubber boots being ripped &/or torn, not the actual CV's failing.

Regards
Mr Turbo

 

[Kevin]

^ same for me; no actual CV failures. just boots.

 

[Dulagarl]

I have had to replace the front CV's, about 2 years after they were fitted by previous owner. I tend to think it has more to do with the H6 engine than the lift.

 

[taza]

I have 4" in the rear and 3" up front. I run lifted hilux boots on stock CVs and have no issues or boots ripping.

Personally I like my setup as it lifts everything while a whole body lift doesn't. I find for sand and beach work I never bottom out, ever

 

[El_Freddo]

If the lift kit is a whole body/suspension of the same height all 'round, then you won't have issues, even when a spring lift is added.

Where you run into issues is when you go for a strut lift only that's too big then add lifted/raised springs. This is typically 3 inch strut top and beyond, I haven't heard of anyone having issues with a 2 inch strut lift and raised springs.

Both setups have their pros and cons:

Strut lift:

Pros:
Cheaper than a full lift kit - less materials + less time in making them = cheaper price
Easy to install, and it's relatively quick too.

Con:
Increased CV angles (for some people this isn't a con).

Full body lift:

Pro:
Everything is lifted off the drivetrain at the same height - no extra angles on CVs

Cons:
Costs more to purchase due to extra materials and time to build
Takes longer to fit

I'm sure there's more to it than this, my brain ran out of go go half way through writing this I'm sorry.

Cheers

Bennie

 

[Shiv]

I've had the boots go, but never the CV's themselves.

 

[Venom]

Yes i suspect the shortened life come down to exposure to the elements as a result of the boots failing.

 

[vincentvega]

If you increase the angle on your CV's you just need to get used to the fact that you will need to replace boots more often. check them regularly as if you replace them as soon as they split you minimise the chance of damaging the actualy joint.

I seem to go through front boots every 50k or so. i just replace them before every big trip I do if they look at all tired.

 

[dajeepman]

If you increase the angle on your CV's you just need to get used to the fact that you will need to replace boots more often. check them regularly as if you replace them as soon as they split you minimise the chance of damaging the actualy joint.

I seem to go through front boots every 50k or so. i just replace them before every big trip I do if they look at all tired.

replacing boots are a PITA and time consuming if you don't have time.