Cv axle issues on lifted tahoe

[brianw18]

I have a 2005 Tahoe on a 6-inch lift and the cv axles I use keep breaking. It's only the driver's side axle and before it breaks it makes a clicking sound and sort of jerks the truck when the wheel is turned until the axle breaks. Does anybody have any idea what the problem could be? Should I use different axles like the 07+? The axles break in the same way every time and are always new so there is no wear. They always stay bolted in but snap. I have pictures if anyone needs to see them. Thanks

 

[randeez]

hang out a bit and make a few posts, then you should be able to add pictures.
guessing the axle angle too steep? along with pre07 axles and cv spacers? is it breaking the inside or the outside joint?
the longer 07+ axles would help the angles a little, but if its tearing up axles regularly it may be too much with them also.

 

[brianw18]

hang out a bit and make a few posts, then you should be able to add pictures.
guessing the axle angle too steep? along with pre07 axles and cv spacers? is it breaking the inside or the outside joint?
the longer 07+ axles would help the angles a little, but if its tearing up axles regularly it may be too much with them also.

I attached a picture of how it breaks. It’s the same every time. The angle could possibly be too steep so I'm gonna add a picture of it before it breaks and let me know what you think. I was originally on a 3 inch lift and never had a problem like this until this was installed.

 

[randeez]

ahhh i gotcha, the inside joint(tripod) will just pull out of that inner cup if the axles are too short. the only thing holding them there is the boot really
07+ axles will help, i think they are 1.5" longer than the older ones, probably not long enough to use without a spacer though

 

[brianw18]

ahhh i gotcha, the inside joint(tripod) will just pull out of that inner cup if the axles are too short. the only thing holding them there is the boot really
07+ axles will help, i think they are 1.5" longer than the older ones, probably not long enough to use without a spacer though

Thank you for the help I appreciate it. I'm gonna order some of the axles, do you think that it was the cause of the clicking and jerking motion of the truck as well? Also is there a specific company that you recommend for the axles?

 

[swathdiver]

I attached a picture of how it breaks. It’s the same every time. The angle could possibly be too steep so I'm gonna add a picture of it before it breaks and let me know what you think. I was originally on a 3 inch lift and never had a problem like this until this was installed.

Your angle is too great. You must drop the differential and restore proper geometry.

This is our Sierra with a 6.5" zone lift, the axles have basically a stock geometry.

 

[randeez]

oems are a lot better, but $$$ new. i would probably buy some used oems off ebay, can probably be had for $75/ea or so. rather than buying new or reman'd from auto parts store

 

[brianw18]

oems are a lot better, but $$$ new. i would probably buy some used oems off ebay, can probably be had for $75/ea or so. rather than buying new or reman'd from auto parts store

okay got it. Thank you I appreciate the help a lot. I'm gonna find axles and order them and I will let you know if I run into any more problems.

 

[randeez]

okay got it. Thank you I appreciate the help a lot. I'm gonna find axles and order them and I will let you know if I run into any more problems.

i think with the extra length, getting rid of the spacers will alleviate enough of the angle.

 

[brianw18]

i think with the extra length, getting rid of the spacers will alleviate enough of the angle.

I hope so, my keys are not turned up but I could always back the bolt out a little more on them to get a flatter angle as well. I'm also not a fan of the spacers.

 

[THarber]

Visit the DMAX store

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Agree with @swathdiver . IMO, that angle is too large for proper and long term operation of those components.

 

[outcast99]

I was busting them on my Sierra the same way. Went to 07 axles and have had 0 issues since them since with the upgrade!

 

[randeez]

Worth a shot imo
best case it works, worst case he has to still de crank a little, but also got rid of the cv spacers

 

[MSU BullDAWGz]

As the others have said, angles at 6"+ is TOO much. You either need to lower the torsion bars or drop the differential and the rack and pinion as your tie rods are also at bad angles. Anything over 2-3" and the whole front end geometry is thrown all outta wack. Don't get me wrong, many do it but wonder why they are replacing parts way more often than others. And you REALLY don't want to have front end parts break on highways as that can end you and others lives.

 

[Carolina Brown]

Brian...are you driving on dry pavement with your 4wd engaged? I don't know how you would hear the front tires chirping unless four wheel drive was engaged...Also, I installed Extended travel CV axles from NAPA for my '04 with 6" lift because I have aftermarket Upper control arms and the droop can be fatal for stock CV joints at full droop. To alleviate this I installed (2) Extended travel CV axles from NAPA ….but I ordered 2008 Tahoe CVs because they are longer and it allowed me to ditch the 2” CV spacers that came with the lift (kept the current ones as spares). I think one day I will end up on a trail at full droop and I want everything to stay together. Did you ever find a solution to your problem? I also have my stock keys turned up and am loathe to turn them down more. I haven't broken anything but I also haven't played in the dirt yet...I installed the lift myself back in Sept. 2022.

 

[Carolina Brown]

The 2008 axles under my 2004 Tahoe…no spacers!!

 

[randeez]

The 2008 axles under my 2004 Tahoe…no spacers!!

View attachment 386427

nevermind! didnt realize you were also the previous post saying which lol

looks like a lot of angle, but no issues?

 

[DirtDigler]

For those of you reading this and wanting a 6" lift, go with a kit that drops your diff!

 

[Carolina Brown]

nevermind! didnt realize you were also the previous post saying which lol

looks like a lot of angle, but no issues?

No issues but I haven’t been in the dirt yet. I have my stock keys up pretty high but like I said….I use the Extended Travel NAPA CV on both sides; so I have an additional 1” of articulation whereas the conventional CV axle would pull apart.

My NAPA axles can extend up to an 1.5” minus the half inch for difference between 2008 length and the total 2004 length plus CV spacer. So an effective 1” of travel beyond what you guys have…so I think I’m safe running higher angles. If I get out on trail and break one then, InshaAllah I’ll add limit straps.