I have a 2008 XLT Screw 4x4 with the 5.4. Looks like I have a torn outer cv boot on the drivers side. Is is best to go ahead and spend the money and replace the half shaft or can I just replace the boot? Right now I am not sure if cv joint is ok or not. Is motorcraft the way to go on these parts or is there a good quality aftermarket part? I think the part number is 5L1Z3B436AA. It looks like RockAuto has the best price on this at $248. I haven't tackled this project before, but looks like something I may be able to do. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

Replace the half shaft, the quality of part is up to you. Rockauto is usually a good place to go.

 

Thanks. That was my thinking also. RockAuto had the MC part for ~$250, but I can get a Carquest part locally at Advance Auto for ~$70. I am just not sure if the MC is that much better to justify the additional cost.

 

What's the warranty on the Carquest halfshaft?

 

Limited Lifetime warranty whatever that means. I am rethinking the Advance Auto part. The reviews are not good. Auto Zone is close too and they have a new Duralast Gold part with the same warranty for $75. No reviews for the part at AZ. Oreilly has a Precision branded cv axle half shaft with the same warranty for $75. No reviews on this part, either. I haven't noticed any clicking noise when turning to indicate the joint is bad. I will have to double check this. Maybe I could get by with replacing the boot? Anyone have experience with these parts? Sorry, for all the questions. I just want to weigh all my options before tackling this project. I want to do it right the first time. Thanks!

 

remove the shaft and replace the boot. Clean the old CV joint and regrease with a CV joint grease.

 

I replaced the half shaft with the Precision brand I previously mentioned. A week in and all things appear to be working fine. Before I changed it out. I had a whining noise that increased with speed. I wasn't exactly sure where that was coming from. It appears the swap fixed that problem too.