I've been lifted for a little over a year (wrangler springs/torsion bar crank) and have also dealt with broken cv joints. While the phrase "you play, you pay" often applies, you can easily tear a boot without abusing the vx offroad due to the increase in stress. I do like the idea of having some beefed up cv joints.

Isuzu quoted me about $1500 to replace my left front axle assembly, and after taking it to my local mechanic, he couldn't even find a stress fracture in the axle. He immediately took care of the cv/ boot and I was out the door with an unmaxed credit card. Point being, your car may or may not have all these problems ... the way to find out is by going to a mechanic you can trust (in this case your friend). Keep us posted on what he finds.