I have to replace the CV boot on the driver's side half shaft. Does anyone know where I can find a good boot at a decent price? OEM boots are like $230 each, and I want to avoid paying that much for a freaking piece of rubber.

 

Honestly I didn't know you could replace just the boot. Mine ripped and I just replaced the whole shaft it was only 59.99 at autozone and it really wasn't that hard to change out. I think I read the how to on this site.

 

x2 just do the whole shaft.....I always wondered though, will a ripped boot hurt anything? couldn't you just run it?

 

well since when the boot rips is slings all the grease out of it , it would make the joint go bad and come apart...... x3 on the whole shaft , i replaced both of mine , now anytime something happens i can just yank it out and put a FREE new one....

 

i put in two brand new ones when i swapped front gears, got them at napa auto parts for less than $ 70 i think, lifetime replacement! Its sweet, i have bought new idler arm, pitman arm , etc... Just take them in and they give me new!!!!!!

Also, they sell replacement boots there too. Some are spli and some are solid which means taking the shaft loose anyway.

 

Replace the shaft. Costs a little more than the boot replacement, but knowing that everything is new in there is a lot better. Dont go with a split boot, they are crap. Thats something a shady car dealer uses. I wouldnt put that on anything I would put a family member in. Solid boots are a pain to deal with, I did it once, and it gave me a headache.

Go to NAPA, buy a new one, and like everyone said, Lifetime warranty is a good thing.

-Matt

 

Just called NAPA and their half shafts are running $58 with core exchange, $69 without core exchange. And their shafts are re-maned. I also called Advanced Auto Parts, and they have the same shaft except BRAND NEW and with lifetime warranty for $69.99. Looks like I will be going to Advanced for a new half shaft.

 

Is this an easy job for a couple of guys to do in the driveway? And is there a place for instructions on how it is done? Never done one before.

 

Havent done one on my truck yet. Have done plenty on other vehicles, and nothing too difficult. Could "be done in a driveway'"


-Matt

 

I found the how to that I used. It's really an easy job.
http://www.fordf150.net/articles/idx...t--Part-1.html hope that helps

 

yep thats how you do it , and yes it can be a driveway job........

tools list:

* A couple of 3/8 drive wrenches - ONLY NEED 1
* One ½ drive torque wrench - I DIDNT USE ONE
* Sockets in sizes 12mm, 16mm or 5/8, 35mm (axle nut), 19mm deep socket for lug nuts
* 12mm wrench - DONT NEED ONE
* Big flat screwdriver for removing lug nut cap
* Couple sets of pliers to remove axle cotter pin - ONLY NEED ONE SET
* Hammer - DONT NEED IT
* Air chisel, air compressor or portable tank, impact gun - DONT NEED CHISEL , AND A PORTABLE TANK AINT GOOD FOR ANYTHANG ON THIS PROJECT
* Hydraulic jack & jack stand - ONLY NEED FLOOR JACK
* Safety glasses - DEFIANTLY DONT NEED (DUMB)
* Gloves - DEFIANTLY DONT NEED (DUMB)
* All-purpose grease - DONT NEED
* Bungee cord to hold caliper or wire twine - DONT NEED

 

Maybe not strictly needed, but that's all good shop practice.

 

^ X2. diggin grease out of busted knuckles is no fun. I always wear gloves now

 

What, you don't wear safety glasses everytime you turn a wrench!!!


I do agree with the gloves and bungee cord though.

 

I usually wear my riding goggles, ear muffs (custom painted skulls on the side)
my wife's leather driving gloves (they're pink but nobody can see in my garage), my favorite slippers and a welding helmet over the top of everything.
Which makes me blind, deaf and can't feel my fingers... but

I'm safe

j/k