Best Replacement Axles for C5?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2026
Posts: 30
Likes: 11
From: New Mexico
Best Replacement Axles for C5?
Hello all! I have a leaking CV boot on my 2004 C5 base coupe. My Corvette specialist and I have decided to replace both rear axles. He's searching for good aftermarket replacement axles and so am I. Willing to pay whatever it costs, within reason, to get high-quality parts. I am aware that OEM replacements aren't available. Would be happy to hear your suggestions!
Last edited by jhfarr; Jun 19, 2026 at 06:23 PM. Reason: clarity
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2026
Posts: 30
Likes: 11
From: New Mexico
"Just be replaced" is doing a lot of work here, of course. The fact is, *I* can't do it, having neither the facilities or the skill, and if one boot is cracked and leaking, the others can't be far behind. Northern NM is also kind of like the wild West, a virtual frontier. Taos County has a population density of 14 people per square mile and that's mostly in a couple towns. The nearest Corvette-savvy garage is 2.5 hours away in Albuquerque. He's very, very good, however, and has used a certain aftermarket brand of CV axles for C5s that he says are fine. They have better boots than the OEM axles anyway. Why not just replace both axles and be done with it for the rest of my (driving) life? I mean, I turn 81 in 6 weeks. I'm in a "get 'er done" mood. I appreciate your question, though.
Which also means the premise of this thread has now expired. My guy has chosen replacements he has experience with. Replacing both axles will be faster and saner. OEM parts (including boots, I think) are unavailable. I have a wonderful machine I want to drive all over America while I still can. Thanks to everyone here at the forum. I'm learning a lot from you folks.
Which also means the premise of this thread has now expired. My guy has chosen replacements he has experience with. Replacing both axles will be faster and saner. OEM parts (including boots, I think) are unavailable. I have a wonderful machine I want to drive all over America while I still can. Thanks to everyone here at the forum. I'm learning a lot from you folks.
Racer
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 288
Likes: 34
From: Ft. Lauderdale Florida
Apparently the early C6 axles (later C6 (ZR1) have a different spline count??) are interchangeable and are still available from GM and other sellers...the part number is GM 22873444. Quite a few posts from years ago of guys actually going the other way, C6 guys using C5 axles as they were supposedly stronger. I'm still running my OEM C5 axles but am thinking of picking up a couple of these C6 axles for spares. Maybe some others will chime in with more suggestions...
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2026
Posts: 30
Likes: 11
From: New Mexico
[Replying to Steve454 with apologies for not yet being fully oriented to forum UI]
I saw that somewhere. I'd be surprised if my Corvette specialist is unaware of this angle, but I'll mention it.
I don't know what to think of it, though. Google AI search has pretty much destroyed the internet for fact finding. I can't tell you how many leads it's given me on exactly this issue that have gone nowhere. For the record, just visited two vendors selling OEM GM parts and they both say that part number will not fit 2004 C5s. There are also forum threads here where people swear the C6 axles are interchangeable but some of these threads go way back. I did read one item that I can't find now that said C6 axles will work, but only the early ones... so we're into Corvette folklore here. My go-to mechanic has chosen to use a particular brand of replacement axles that he says "work fine," which is how I'll go. Thank you though.
I saw that somewhere. I'd be surprised if my Corvette specialist is unaware of this angle, but I'll mention it.
I don't know what to think of it, though. Google AI search has pretty much destroyed the internet for fact finding. I can't tell you how many leads it's given me on exactly this issue that have gone nowhere. For the record, just visited two vendors selling OEM GM parts and they both say that part number will not fit 2004 C5s. There are also forum threads here where people swear the C6 axles are interchangeable but some of these threads go way back. I did read one item that I can't find now that said C6 axles will work, but only the early ones... so we're into Corvette folklore here. My go-to mechanic has chosen to use a particular brand of replacement axles that he says "work fine," which is how I'll go. Thank you though.
Last edited by jhfarr; Jun 22, 2026 at 02:42 PM. Reason: clarity
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2026
Posts: 30
Likes: 11
From: New Mexico
Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 679
Likes: 361
From: San Jose CA
Honestly, I was hoping someone here would have a good answer that wasn't DSS's $2000 axels.
Pricewise, It seems to jump from parts house to out-of -hand (albeit extremely good quality) instantly.
For the record, I do see a boot-kit part number from Mevotech for DX877 inner.
EMPI shows
86-2348-D Inner
86-2337-D Outer
Pricewise, It seems to jump from parts house to out-of -hand (albeit extremely good quality) instantly.
For the record, I do see a boot-kit part number from Mevotech for DX877 inner.
EMPI shows
86-2348-D Inner
86-2337-D Outer
