Help: CV Axle problems, NEED HELP!!!

[mpe35]

Alright guys, I will try to summarize this the best I can.
I've owned my 08 2500hd Dmax since January (my first diesel) and it currently has 198k on it.
I replaced both front axle shafts w/ Napa rebuilts back in April when the others blew out. Put about 5-10k mi on, and then in May/June, both blew out again. Figured no problem, just crappy rebuilds. Replaced both, about 2 weeks later, both blow again (drivers side first, next day the pass side)
Replaced again early July, same thing, got about a week or two then both blew again. those are all napa rebuilds i used.

2-3 weeks ago, I replaced them AGAIN, this time with ones from Rock Auto. Same thing. I used 4wd on the dirt roads and messing around a little out in a couple fields, NO loaded jumps or ANY hard driving. a few days ago, i noticed AGAIN that these boots are spitting grease too. I have posted pics on Facebook on several different pages, and i realize those guys are NOT gm techs by any means, but everyone I've asked has said my angles arent bad at all.

SO...my question is, Is there ANYTHING I should be checking on my front end that might be bent (a friend suggested it might possibly be). Ive had a few different alignments done in the time i have owned the truck, and was told the idler and pitman arm are SLIGHTLY loose, but my dad said its not enough to worry about, or justify replacing.....

I really need suggestions guys. I dont race or sled pull with it, and very rarely tow.
:cussing:

 

[thunder550]

Are your torsion bars cranked? What are the angles like up front?

 

[mpe35]

They aren't the greatest pics, but it gives you an idea of them. the angle of the photo does make it look a little worse than it actually is.

 

[andy-stevenson]

^×2 When I had mine cranked the boots kept breaking on me.

 

[andy-stevenson]

They don't look like the best angles. What size tires are on the truck? If you lower the bars will the tires rub?

 

[mpe35]

I have the stock rims with 285/75/16's, and also aftermarket rims with 295/55/20 (33x12.50) Nitto trail grapplers. made them fit with no rubbing. I cranked the keys down and ended up breaking the D-side bolt, so I just said the hell with it and am going with a leveling kit. If I had the extra $ I'd just go straight to a 4" lift.

 

[hondarider552]

Did you jack the truck up with a floorjack before you tried moving the torsion bolts?

 

[andy-stevenson]

A leveling kit will not make a difference. Might just want to save for a lift.

 

[dirty_max]

those angles dont look to bad really, ive seen way worse. mine ride through sled pulling season with worse angle than that, but in the opposite direction.

 

[Chevy1925]

Like dirty said. Those angles by no means are bad.

IMHO, your driving through stuff that is killing the boots. It doesn't take much to puncture them. Either build some guards to protect them or watch where your driving.

 

[Hot COCOAL]

Like dirty said. Those angles by no means are bad.

IMHO, your driving through stuff that is killing the boots. It doesn't take much to puncture them. Either build some guards to protect them or watch where your driving.

X2

Man, I was expecting MUCH worse!!!
Re-evaluate where your taking your truck bud, cuz there's no reason to be splitting boots with angles like that...

 

[mpe35]

YES!! I know quite well a full 4" lift, using stock keys and cranked down as low as they'll go is the best way to go. Unfortunately, I havent won the lottery, so I cant do that yet.

A lot of guys have said AC Delco is the way to go. Personally in my situation I dont think it will make a difference.
I'm not putting anything else on unless I can figure out exactly what is the issue. The STUPIDEST thing to do is to start throwing parts at it and "hope" it fixes it. My keys are by no means maxed out, slightly higher than stock height. I'm sure SOMEONE out there has come across this problem, cause honestly if it comes down to it, i'll just nurse them along and replace them every year, as i dont use 4wd much anyways. It's just one of those things that make me want to punch a big dent in the side of the bed! thanks guys

 

[mpe35]

Like dirty said. Those angles by no means are bad.

IMHO, your driving through stuff that is killing the boots. It doesn't take much to puncture them. Either build some guards to protect them or watch where your driving.

I get that, if I was mud bogging or some extreme s**t, but I SHOULD be able to go down a dirt road, and through a couple empty fields without having to feel like I'm stepping around broken glass. No 4 wheel drags or crazy driving in 4wd.

 

[Chevy1925]

Go pick up some boot kits from a napa and see if those tear. I've replaced two of my original boots and still have my original half shafts. If you tear those, where ever your driving is throwing debri into the boots causing them to tear.

Unless you go with a custom made leather boot or go buy factory half shafts to try, you don't have any other options other than a guard.

Like i said, you angle is NOT bad. I've races and off leaded with worse angles than that without issue. I think some of these guys forgot what bad cv angles look like from all of us running damn near flat angles for racing lol

 

[FBJR]

Something else is up or you really crank it hard when playing. Those angles are way better than mine.

I have a leveling kit on mine with 33 inch tires and 100k with no issues vs a couple hubs and an upper joint. I do have UCA's, bilstien shocks and don't beat the )(*& out of it.

 

[dirty_max]

does gm sell a boot kit? for what its worth, i have heard bad things about many aftermarket cv's. and if you got with a 4 inch lift you will not have to crank the bars down, when mine isnt set up for sled pulling, i have my blots about at the factory position and everything under the front is straight as an arrow. i take the bolts out for sled pulling that puts them at a negative angle

 

[mpe35]

Alright guys, update. I picked it up from the shop a couple hours ago, here are some pics of what could be Part of the issue, or a contributing factor. I had a leveling kit put in, no rear blocks.
The tech there showed me how the support bracket for the idler arm was flexing when the wheel was turned to the right---about 1/2 turn on steering wheel, it was hard to turn past that point to continue turning right (not moving, obviously). He pointed out how my sway bar and tie rod were rubbing on the pass side. PLENTY of clearance on D-side. While I was there they showed me online the "idler arm support bracket" (?) made by cognito.
I'll attach pics, but would that be a contributing factor to the boots blowing out like that?

 

[mpe35]

first 2 of drivers side, second 2 of pass side.

 

[JoshH]

Is it just my eyes playing tricks on me, or does the tie rod in the second pic look like it has a bend in it out past the sleeve?

 

[dirty_max]

looks kind of bent to me, could be one of those optical illusions though