My 03 F-150 has a tear in its passenger inner cv boot. It was probably due to the torsion bars being cranked fully (stock keys). I am going to attempt to replace the boot with a ford oem one. Upon taking the halfshaft apart, how will I know if it is bad? It has been torn for less than one week, but the grease slung all over the suspension. there is still some left in the boot, however. anyone's help would be very much appreciated... also, are the clamps around the boots reusable?

 

Just replace the whole shaft, it's not that hard to do and you will most likely get a lifetime warranty.

 

i don't want to put in a reman of unknown quality... the ford oem one is like $240.

 

A reman comes from a rebuilt OEM. But if you don't want to replace it,

1) Buy new boot to replace your boot even though you aren't sure if the axel has sand/road grit in it.

2) Attempt to install new boot, with extra grease to replace the lost grease.

3) Realize that it's WAY much easier to split the suspension and replace the whole shaft as opposed to ****ing around with the greasy boot.

4) Replace entire CV shaft.


Bottom line, you're better off with an OEM or reman shaft, and if you don't like the cost + hassle of replacing the boots/shafts, then lower it so the angle doesn't tear up the shaft. That or remove the front drive system all together.

 

hmm... i think i'm going to lower the torsion bars back down some when this is all said and done.