Replacing front shafts... Opinions?

Ok all, I'm in a bit of a quandary...

Blew one of my Rob Storr CVs at the weekend greenlaning which then rubbed the splines off the end of the shaft when I drove back to civilisation... it's been in for four years / 48 trips so it's lasted very well, no issues with that...

So... been on to Rob Storr to source a replacement, BUT, what do you think? Should I replace the one CV (and shaft) or should I replace the PAIR based on the four years of (ab)use?

If so, the TG ones from JimnyBits are cheaper at £402, than Rob Storr's £525 the pair?

What do you think? I'm erring on the side of caution and thinking of replacing the two whilst it's all stripped down ready for a rebuild?...

And then I'd have more "mainstream" parts too, easier to get replacements...

Thanks in advance

Dave

i have them for 4 years also with no issue till now,will the jimny bits fit with same diff since we changed the spiders and why dont u just chq the rest a nearly broken or abused cv can be seen if well cleaned, if i am not wrong the cv can also be divided in 2 pieces

Dave i also have a set of rs ones. The driver's side died and did the shaft in. The passenger side I've taken out and it seems stiff to rotate through all it's angles. These were second hand to me so i don't know if this is how they were when new or whether it is on its way out also. Shaft and CV replacement i was quoted £225 for the short side.

Really you should only be needing to source a stubby shaft from RS as thats supposed to give before the cv?
I think if it was myself i would just replace the pair and keep whats left for spares. As to what you replace them with is obviously your choice.
The RS gear is good, I was led to believe whilst reading another forum the cvs are standard off the shelf items used in another vehicle. (scooby maybe?) I can't remember now, I have a set of longfield's on the shelf ready to go in mine but i have never managed to break what ever is in there at the moment. I got mine from Rob at ORA. so it may be worth a quick call to see what he has.
I don't know how you manage to break so much Dave, you must have a heavy right foot .

Safari - Yes, JimnyBits sell 22 and 26 spline shafts... I'll inspect the other CV but it's hard to gauge the fatigue it's had over 48 greenlaning trips...

James - Why couldn't you have done the other side?! We could have made one good set then?

Jezz - We're out laning once a month, so things do tend to break! Heavy right foot, or right heavy Jimny You could read the blurb two ways? I think the CV is the replaceable bit without having to buy the stub shaft again?

Jezz, from my build thread -

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BALLS!



Literally! Ball bearings that is!



More in here, and pieces of CV...



Shafted too!



Empty CV

Ah well, as said, it lasted 48 trips, can't complain at that...

Might as well buy a new set then?

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No way I'm just replacing the stub shaft on that?

they shouldn't fatigue as you mention. That would mean the same will happen to the rear shafts as well. And I've only seen very few Jimny rear shafts break. You probably just broke it due to a bit too heavy right foot

I'd definitely get the TG stuff. As you mention yourself. A more mainstream parts, cheaper and easier to get spareparts. And you can always keep the RS shaft and joint as spare part.

Just ordered TG / Longfield shafts from JimnyBits...

And then minutes later, Rob Storr emailed me with a price for the spare parts (shaft and CV joint)...

So I have a spare pair on the shelf

Funny how things fall into place...

Rear TG / Longfield shafts will be ordered from JimnyBits next week too, then I know I'm set for another few years extreme 'laning!

It's good your sorted with new shafts Dave.Don't forget to take the spacers out from behind the front stub axles, as they are not needed with the longfields. I'd already seen the photo's of the damage, But i definately read the RS website blurb as the stubby shaft being the new weak link.
I'd be interested if there is a part number on the RS cv if you could have a look for me.

Will do Jezz

I've emailed Rob Storr back to see if I can get another CV joint to make the passenger side 'as new' too...

Jezz wrote: It's good your sorted with new shafts Dave.Don't forget to take the spacers out from behind the front stub axles, as they are not needed with the longfields. I'd already seen the photo's of the damage, But i definately read the RS website blurb as the stubby shaft being the new weak link.
I'd be interested if there is a part number on the RS cv if you could have a look for me.

No identifying marks Jezz...

They arrived today... I have now got 2 CVs to make the set as good as new...