CV Shaft Prices and Brands

[thedood]

I'm gathering parts of my 1995 K1500 and was on Rock Auto pricing CV Shafts. The AC Delco were 300+ bucks, the next most expensive were like $85. Are the AC Delco that much better? What brand would the members here recommend? Thanks for the help in advance.

Edit: This is a stock truck that will see mild off-roading but nothing major, fire roads, plain old dirt gravel roads, some mild trails.

 

[Fuzzy]

I've just got Parts store axles in the front of my truck, $80 a piece and they have a lifetime warranty so I can just take them up there and warranty them without a lot of downtime if one breaks. So far I haven't broken either of them and I've abused them a bit.

 

[thedood]

@Fuzzy, Do you remember if you purchased a heavy duty set? I'm curious if cv axle replacement is something others think I should do and get out of the way since I will be in there anyway. I am hearing an occasional popping in the front when I take off (in 2 wheel drive) and when I turn. I know I am needing ball joints (will be replaced in 2 weeks).

 

[Fuzzy]

@Fuzzy, Do you remember if you purchased a heavy duty set? I'm curious if cv axle replacement is something others think I should do and get out of the way since I will be in there anyway. I am hearing an occasional popping in the front when I take off (in 2 wheel drive) and when I turn. I know I am needing ball joints (will be replaced in 2 weeks).

I just bought the Duralast Gold from Autozone which is a standard replacement axle. I've got about 35,000 miles on one of them without any issues so far, probably 25,000 or so on the other. You can get the pair for $140 with a Lifetime warranty. The popping you're hearing could be a bad axle, also check your sway bar links and bushings.

 

[21Actual]

The Delco one is most likely a new never used cv shaft. The cheaper one is almost certainly a reman. I got the cheapo remans from my local parts house. Lifetime warranty.