The rubber boot that covers the joint where the two drive shafts connect came off. Is this something I should replace or is it ok to run without it?

 

yes you should replace it....that slip joint should be well greased and the boot protects it....grease that sucker up and put a new boot on it....

 

What he said.

 

Thanks guys. The OEM boot is one piece I guess I'll have to drop the drive line to replace it.

 

Chock the wheels, PARK doesnt work when you disconnect the rear axle.

While youre there grease the joint.

 

OK, Thanks!
David

 

Also mark both ends to ensure it goes back together as it came apart.

 

10-4, thanks Duck!

 

Anybody got the Ford part number of the boot itself?

After many, many miles, mine's come off.

Oooops! Found it: F81Z-4421-BA

Pop

 

F81Z4421BA .. Driveshaft Boot & Clamp Assy

MSRP: $27.85

Thanks for the reminder...I replaced my U joints two years ago & I've been running boot-less since. I do have the "correct" blue Ford slip joint grease though...

 

Snagged one from eBay this afternoon.

I, too, have a tube of that aqua-marine colored grease, and I'll take it all down and clean the splines carefully after running that way for who-knows-how-long. I suspect it disappeared during last month's 5000-mile trip to Minnesota and back.

Drove in a lot of rain during the first part of that trip, so it's 'bout time.

Thanks, Frank!

Pop