Extreme Terrain: DO NOT buy from them!

Bottom Line Up Front: Poor quality control, subpar customer support and no accountability

On September 16th, I placed an order for CX Axles for my 2011 Tundra. Unfortunately, Extreme Terrain lost track of my order and, in an attempt to rectify the situation, sent me three additional CV axle sets. Upon receipt, I returned the two sets, realizing I did not need six CV axles. In hindsight, it appears that I may have required all six CV axles.

On December 18th, shortly after returning from deployment, I observed that one of the CV axle boots was incorrectly seated (refer to the first picture). I promptly initiated a second return for that axle and received a replacement with properly seated boots.

Upon inspecting my axles the next day after driving, I discovered an issue. Despite investing nearly $800 for a mechanic to install the CV axles at Toyota, they are now leaking due to Extreme Terrain's improper boot seating. Refer to image 2 and 3.


So, I took my Tundra back to Toyota Escondido and they noticed that a metallic substance was coming out of my front transfer case and sent me a picture. Refer to image 4 and 5. Toyota of Escondido stated that the front transfer case is likely leaking because of the metallic contaminants. Last I checked, the front transfer case doesn’t require an oil additive. This is not only reflected on my Toyota customer receipt (image 6) but also reflects on my Toyota account (image 7).

Due to all of this, I requested Extreme Terrain to step outside of their company policy to resolve this issue by refunding me for the faulty CV axles and the . I sent an email on January 25th asking on an update for my refund and it took them almost a month to respond back.


Their answer?

“I'm sorry that you haven't received an update on your request. As per checking, one of our supervisors tried to call you on 2/17 and he said there was no answer and he left a voicemail stating that we cannot cover any labor charges related to a defective item. As a courtesy, he checked the manufacturer's webpage to see if they offer compensation and they also do not cover any labor charges, rental car fees, or lost wages. I understand that this is not what you wanted to hear.


We appreciate your patience and understanding of this matter. Please feel free to contact us if we can be of any further assistance.”


I never received a phone call and I never received a voice mail.


As a result of their decision, I submitted a complaint to the Better Business Bureau, highlighting deficient quality assurance protocols and subpar customer service, particularly with regards to certain customer service representatives.


I reached out to Detroit Axles, who made the axles, and they can’t be held responsible because I did not buy the part directly from them. (image 8)

 

I can tell you with confidence that any CV axle beyond OEM and RCV is trash.

 

Yeah, I agree but when CV axles from Toyota are on back order for months, I have no other choice. When it comes to parts like the rack and pinon, clutch fans, wheel bearings, etc I only use OEM products.

 

Try eBay used oem. Get oem boot kit and rebuild em

 

Yeah I made a rookie mistake and mushroomed the CV axle with a mallet...this was about two years ago. Before ordering CV axles through Extreme Terrain, I ordered some through A1Auto and man...those things are bad but at least they were responsive and reimbursed me for all the expenses. I plan to do a write up comparing A1Auto vs other competitors CV axles. I have all the data I just need to organize and present it.

 

FWIW....Anytime replacing, engagement of 4x4 will help keep the female spline from rotating as you align the male spline. Happy wheeling!

 

Oh damn I didn't even think about that! Hopefully I never have to replace the CVs again but good to know.

 

Do you think the bumpers are any good? Any other reputable places to search for front and rear ? Appreciate it

 

Ranchhand summit series front and rear. Nice and stout!

 

This might be a little late…. If you happened to pay with PayPal.. contact them. I never saw a vender move so fast to correct a situation for me once they got involved. From no help over 2 months to fixed inside of a half hour. No one wants PayPal mad or banned

 

How did this play out? Did you get everything resolved?

Definitely seemed like Detroit Axle understood and wanted to help, they just couldn't. So that seems like a small positive in all the bs you had to deal with.

 

Even if you bought RCV and there was a boot seat issue (mine had them) RCV would not reimburse labor but they would correct the problem. Like a crate engine, fully warrantied but you have to pull it each time

 

If by resolved, you mean there is a review in the BBB then yes. But did they refund me the money for axles I ended up not using or the cost of labor due to their lack of quality control? No. I'm not going to buy any products from ExtremeTerrain because their customer service sucks. If their CS was on point and listened instead of injecting what they wanted to say, then I would probably buy products from them...but that's not the case. Of the 4 or 5 CS reps, only one of them answers questions while the other complete disregard the question(s) and just say what they want.

See I understand the RCV point, they CLEARLY state the warranty policy (it's not hidden in some sub-component of the website) and because of that I accept the risk. If I would have bought the CVs directly from Detroit Axle, they would have been covered which I didn't know at the time. This third-party shit is stupid.