I've been searching for days and can't figure out what I need to do. I'm not a mechanic and have no knowledge of the lingo used on the website.

I need to replace the front axels on my 1998 Amigo 3.2L 4x4. I've been without CV boots for 3000 miles and fear driving at this point until the axel is replaced. I installed the Calmini 3"lift last year and have not replaced the hubs to manual locking for I live in snow country and switch from 2 wheel to 4 wheel often in bad weather.

There is no local Isuzu shop, and the local shop wants over $1200 for the repair. There has to be something better than stock if I am going to spend this much money.

Please help.

Thank you.

Doing the work yourself isn't that bad. If all that's bad is the boots, then here's a link on here to help you get better acquainted with them ... How to change CV boots.

As for the manual hubs, you can put them on still. All you'd have to do is leave the hub locked in and you can still shift from 2wd to 4wd without having to get out. That's what I do when I know I might need it. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Richard <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

If your joints are already done for, and you're looking to replace the whole CV axle, you can get the basic process here. You have to go through pretty much the same process.

HIH,
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />Andre

Doesn't leaving the manual hub locked defeat the purpose of replacing them to save the CV boots?

And anyone know where I can get that darlingotn offroad axel set-up???

Well, Yes. Typically I found that I would leave the Hubs locked when it was snowing and for a day or two after it snowed. The rest of the time I left them unlocked. Generally I found I kinda knew when I might be wanting to have them locked. So while they were locked when I needed them they were still unlocked probably 95% of the time.

Last I had heard Darlington was on temporarily closed due to military obligations (I think thats what it was). I don't know if anyone picked up where he left off or not.

As far as CV's go the factory 98+ stuff seems to be about as good as it gets. There is no aftermarket replacements available. Depending on tire size and driving style, they actually hold up very well.

-Mike

I just realized that you have a '98 Amigo. As far as I know, there may have only been one set of 2nd gen ('98+)Amigo/Rodeo DOR drop diff brackets that was made. The 2nd gen vehicles have longer CV's and don't suffer from as much angle as a 1st gen when lifted. This makes the diff drop more beneficial to the 1st gens.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />Andre

I just happen to have two of these sitting in my shed, looking for a new owner. $200 gets you the PAIR, plus shipping. One is brand new, the other is used but in great shape.


When I bought the new one, it was $188 from St. Charles Isuzu (one of the lowest-priced Isuzu parts dealers on the planet) -- for $12 more, you get two, that's a good deal.

If your mechanic still wants $1000 to do the labor, 1) Find a new mechanic, and 2) Bring the truck to me and I'll change them out for 50% off. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

By the way, I ran the lift for over 75,000 miles on my Amigo, three cross-country trips and some serious wheelin' in Utah, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Massachussetts, and never even tore a boot, let alone munched a CV. Of course, that doesn't mean you never will, obviously. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

As for the manual hubs, like the others said, when the snow is forecast, lock 'em in. A day or two later, unlock 'em. The other 11,500 miles out of the year, you'll have ZERO wear on your CV's.

-Chris
P.S. Usually places with "no local Isuzu shop" are so far out of the way that there most likely IS a local 4x4 Shop. Anyone used to dealing with Toyotas should be able to get these changed out for you, and anything more than a full day's labor from a professional on this would be a scam. Even at $80/hr, that's $640 in labor for eight hours.

Here locally is a parts place called Car Quest, not sure if they nation wide. They had complete rebuilt front axle CV kits for $59 each, exchange. About as cheap as I could find, have had one on my 2000 Amigo about 2 years now, no problems.