I have my front drive shaft out, as I am changing out my Stock Ford parts, and installing Moog U-Joints, looking for a weird noise, when in 4Hi. I noticed that I have a bit of slop in the slip joint, and also a bit of slop on the output pinion of the transfer case. I'm guessing I'm gonna need to rebuild the transfer case to cure that issue, and I'm guessing that's where my strange sound is coming from, but since I already had the U-joints, why not put them in, eh.

So my question is about the slip joint in the front drive shaft. It is covered by a dust boot, held with metal bands, much like a CV joint. Should I cut them off, dis-assemble the shaft, and grease? And can I use something like a tie wrap to secure the dust boot? Or is the slop an indicator of replacement time?

Any tips?
It's a 1999 with a 4r70w, electric shift transfer case, in case that's relevant.

 

Take a pair of Side Cut Pliers and cut one of the steel Bands. Re-pack the Slip-Yoke with some grease and install back in the vehicle; using a large Cable tie to replace the steel band. Before installing the front D/S, take vehicle for a ride and see if weird noise is present. Good luck.