Which aftermarket CV shaft would you recommend?

[Cajuntec]

My Ram remanufactured CV shaft I replaced earlier this year leaked from the boot closest to the hub and got grease everywhere.

Under warranty, they shipped me another remanufactured one. The splines are too loose, so it won’t lock in place, and it wobbles worse than the original one I replaced.

Dealer says the part is on backorder until after Christmas, and truck has already been parked for weeks. So aftermarket seems like the ticket.

Rock Auto has Trakmotive and a few others, along with the factory $500 ones ($450 plus core). I’m so disgusted with the factory parts right now, I’m leaning towards aftermarket.

RockAuto, Autozone, O’Reilly, etc???

 

[CHeYeNNe71]

Many run Trakmotive and I don't recall any issues. They make 2 different, Standard and extended travel for lifted

 

[Cajuntec]

Thanks. That's what I was leaning towards. My truck isn't lifted.

 

[HSKR R/T]

Trakmotive is a solid choice

 

[Rebob0510]

Just had my RF cv shaft replaced by the dealer, Took almost a month to get the cv and intermediate shaft in stock

 

[msnyder1112]

I’m using the trakmotive ones and I have no complaints. Got around 8k miles on them so far

 

[Cajuntec]

Ordered the Trakmotive this evening from RockAuto. Thanks for the replies.

 

[John Kloehr]

Nothing against Trakmotive, no basis for positive either. Other than Rock Auto which has a good reputation as a retailer, I also use Napa and never buy the cheapest option from them, and they do often have Dorman available.

As to any of the other chains, you mentioned AutoZone and O'reillys, no way. They are likely Dorman (or similar) parts and do not hold up. I did make an exception for the tailgate hinges on my '04 Silverado but would not buy any parts which need to spin continuously from those typical chain stores.

 

[HSKR R/T]

Nothing against Trakmotive, no basis for positive either. Other than Rock Auto which has a good reputation as a retailer, I also use Napa and never buy the cheapest option from them, and they do often have Dorman available.

As to any of the other chains, you mentioned AutoZone and O'reillys, no way. They are likely Dorman (or similar) parts and do not hold up. I did make an exception for the tailgate hinges on my '04 Silverado but would not buy any parts which need to spin continuously from those typical chain stores.

The parts you buy from any chain store, NAPA included, are I my as good as what you are willing to pay for. Oriellys and AutoZone both offer higher quality parts, other than their budget lines . NAPA is no different. The last part I bought from NAPA failed after a few hundred miles.

 

[John Kloehr]

The parts you buy from any chain store, NAPA included, are I my as good as what you are willing to pay for. Oriellys and AutoZone both offer higher quality parts, other than their budget lines . NAPA is no different. The last part I bought from NAPA failed after a few hundred miles.

With Napa, I often have to wait a few days for the part I feel worth it. This based on price and Internet search reviews.

With the other common chain stores, they are generally either not able or not willing to order what is not on-hond or at a neighboring store.

 

[HSKR R/T]

With Napa, I often have to wait a few days for the part I feel worth it. This based on price and Internet search reviews.

With the other common chain stores, they are generally either not able or not willing to order what is not on-hond or at a neighboring store.

Sounds like you have some lazy workers at your local parts stores.

 

[msnyder1112]

Sounds like you have some lazy workers at your local parts stores.

Agreed. I’ve never had issues getting parts from any local store.

 

[John Kloehr]

Sounds like you have some lazy workers at your local parts stores.

I take it more as wanting to get any part as soon as possible rather than a better part in a day or three. Napa is more geared to quality parts unless I want whatever now. Depends on what customer service means from a (store) cultural perspective. Most in a consumer chain store are geared to "now" as they need to drive to work in the morning.