Might have found a solution to our CV Boot tear problem.

[taylorRichie]

Well...

My local autozone had some different CV boots for the vehicross In Stock, can't remember the brand or model but I'll look tonight. I'll have my vehicle back together today. I didn't realize my other side had completely torn through my newly installed dorman inner CV Boot... I mean completely...

So I'm going to give these new ones a shot, and then next time I'm going to go with these High Lift ones. (assuming they'll fit.)

I'd love to do some CV Drop brackets, but man that's a daunting task. Maybe this spring. As long as I can ride my motorcycle to work, my VX can be down for a bit. But we've got a ton of snow right now, and all I want is my VX on the road

[mdwyer]

I'd love to do some CV Drop brackets, but man that's a daunting task.

Is it a task that gets cheaper with quantity? That is, how many brackets do you think we'd need to order before it got cheap enough to have the work farmed out? I'd love some brackets, too, but I don't know the first thing about getting them made...

I can't help thinking that we could get at least a half-dozen sales out of a fab run... But I have no idea.

[LittleBeast]

Is it a task that gets cheaper with quantity? That is, how many brackets do you think we'd need to order before it got cheap enough to have the work farmed out? I'd love some brackets, too, but I don't know the first thing about getting them made...

I can't help thinking that we could get at least a half-dozen sales out of a fab run... But I have no idea.

Bought mine from Tom4bren for $200, getting them cheap is no big deal, evidently everyone here is scared of doing it because they think it is going to be complicated and difficult. Tom said I could do it in 2-3 days, and after looking at the directions it is definitely involving and maybe time consuming, but I think I can handle it. I will update you as soon as I am done, but I do not think I would call it daunting.....

[tom4bren]

I'm thinking I could do it the second time in about a day (since I've already been through it once).

If you can replace CV boots, you can drop the diff. You're 60% there anyway & it's not any more complicated.

[mdwyer]

If you can replace CV boots, you can drop the diff. You're 60% there anyway & it's not any more complicated.

Oh, I don't fear the wrench. I fear the welder.

Did you fab the ones you sold?

[taylorRichie]

My problem was never that I though I couldn't do it... (the drop brackets) nor a question of expense ($200), but one of, what do I do while I'm there.

Seems like a good opportunity to install an ARB, but now it's starting to get spendy.

Also I'm not sure of the current crossmember/cross brace offerings.

And then time... I don't want to be down for a week, might take some 3 days, but I'm sure I'll do it very leisurely and thorough.

BTW...
The new Boots I got are: FENCO, DYNAPAK - p/n: K2148

I only used them on the inners, and dorman on the outers, they seem like a way way better fit. But I don't know if that translates into better wear.

I just checked FENCO's website, and they have different part numbers for inner and outer.
K2149 Front Outer
K2266 Front Inner

I'm guessing it used to be K2148 Inner, K2149 Outer, but I don't know??

Another thing I'll do if I get a chance to do my CV's again (a few months) I'll use the Red-line CV-2 Synthetic grease. I didn't realize it was fit for CV use so I didn't use it, but a quick internet search revealed this... ...CV-2 contains an organic moly and is for wheel bearings, high angle and conventional CV joints, chassis lubrication and high temperature, high speed industrial equipment...

It'd be nice to use since I use it for all my other greasable fittings, and I can keep things consistent since you're not supposed to mix greases.

[tom4bren]

mdwyer,

I don't weld. I wish I could - maybe someday.

One of the guys in our paint shop is starting a side business of welding at home & is keeping the price down for us.

Don't forget that Joe Darlington (Darlington Offroad - I think) offers them too & prolly has a much quicker turn around time than I do since I only have 1 set of spare brackets for modifying. Welder guy turns them around in about a week but then we have to wait for the recipient to get their OEMs back to me for the next set. I should be picking up one more set from Lisa next Jan so that should help.

Tom

BTW, $200 includes the crossmember drop brackets but you need to get your own bolts.