Torn ball joint boots

[Ascinder]

Well it seems I tore 1 upper ball joint boot and 1 lower boot when I was messing with the diff drop. I called Merlin for some new boots, but they are sold, it seems, as complete assemblies only. One is around $100, the other is $87. He suggested maybe trying an auto parts store for some universal boots. Has anyone run into this? I was also thinking that if I didn't find them at the auto parts store, maybe the wrecking yard would have them(although that would not be fun to do).

[Ldub]

Check out the selection of tasty suspension bits & doo dads on:

http://www.independent4x.com/

I know Kenny has bought booties that fit his tie rod ends there, maybe the same ones will work on ball joints ?

[Tobert]

I used the universal boots from NAPA on mine and they're working fine. Then again, I don't get into situations where they'd be completely submerged. In that case, I might want something with more of a custom fit.

[Ascinder]

Yeah, I think you can use the tie rods boots on them, but they are just dust covers, where the balljoint boots are sealed units(I assume there is a good reason for this) and since my new tie rod ends are greaseable(so I can purge them if they got wet/contaminated) and the balljoints are not purgeable, I 'm going to look for a sealeable version.

[Ascinder]

Well, no luck so far, I am now looking into possibly using the same energy suspension urethane dust boots that go on the HD tie rods. I already have a set that I can check and see if silicone will stick so I can install them, grease them, crank down the nut and hopefully seal them. If not, I'm gonna get crazy and break out the milling machine to mill down into the backside of the balljoint and tap it out to accomodate a zerk fitting so I can at least purge it.