New Owner - ?'s about CV joint, TOD, etc.

[Ebenezr]

Check your transmission fluid level. I had some stumbling/stuttering in the rear which progressed to a in and out of gear problem when at a stop. I was 2 quarts low. To "check" the fluid you just add it by pumping it in through the top drain hole in the trans pan until it overflows. (Engine warm and in neutral).

[RedBlur]

Hey all -

Thanks for all the welcomes and great information. Sorry it took me a while to reply, yesterday was a packed day of work events and going out. On a side note JHarris, if you haven't already been to the new New Albanian on Bank St, it is nothing like the original. In fact, about the only thing it has in common is that it serves some of the same beers.

Anyway, back on topic. JHarris My tires are 265/70-18's, I'm pretty sure they are the stock wheels. Verified it is a suspension lift.

My driveway is a mess right now so I haven't been able to get under to check the transmission mount, but if the ice keeps thawing I may be able to get to it this afternoon or tomorrow.

Marlin, thanks for the heads-up on the locking hubs, that was actually the first thing I checked. Based on what everyone is saying, I think the TOD is working fine, just one of those things that I wanted to check.

I'll have to do more research on the diff drop for those that mentioned it. Right now the goal is to get through the winter without any problems and get the Lexus back running in the meantime. Come spring that becomes the daily driver which gives me time to work more on the VX

Tom4bren, sorry to hear about your luck! If you happen to find anything out from RCV please let me know.

MSHardeman, since I don't know how long the boot has been torn, I think I am just going to replace the entire joint. I read a thread somewhere that had a link for replacements that were ~$65. I was going to check that out and I figure at that price, even if it goes out on me again next year I won't be too upset.

Regarding the VIN, last 4 are 0627 and it is Proton Yellow. I'll search around and see what turns up.

Thanks again to everyone, I appreciate it greatly!!!

[Marlin]

MSHardeman, since I don't know how long the boot has been torn, I think I am just going to replace the entire joint. I read a thread somewhere that had a link for replacements that were ~$65. I was going to check that out and I figure at that price, even if it goes out on me again next year I won't be too upset.

Yep,you can get two aftermarket cvs for around 110, but they are no good for wheeling if you have a front locker. I busted two of em in two days on the trails. But for DD and light wheeling, they are fine.

I got mine from autopartswharehouse on ebay. THey sent me two brand new ones, no questions asked. Didn't even mail back my broken ones.