I have a 1999 F150 4x4 with a torsion key lift of about 2". I have changed the boots on the axles 3 times now. The boots dont even last a year. Is there a high angle boot or a more flexible boot avalible?

 

Are you using Ford boots or aftermarket? I have a 2000 F150 with a 4 inch lift and cranked torsion bars. My driver side outer boot tore at about 90K miles. I replaced it with an aftermarket boot. Upon comparison of the stock and aftermarket boot I noticed the aftermarket appeared to be significantly shorter than the stock Ford boot. My assumption is the aftermarket boots are possibly universal fit. Anyway I now have 135K and this same boot it cracking but no holes yet. It is cracking around the outer most part of the boot and appears to possibly be from being too short which is stressing the rubber. I'm debating buying a Ford boot this time but it is pricey. I have been quoted $180 from two different dealers. How one outer boot and grease costs $180 is beyond me. My other 3 original cv boots are still intact so maybe you get what you pay for. I was also debating putting some rubber cement around the cracks to put off replacing it.

 

Clear silicone will work to plug holes also. Over 50K on them and they still don't leak.

 

I found the solution. I ordered a boot kit from Mecatech. The kit had all 4 boots, grease, installation tools and it was about $140. The boots are very flexible and easy to install. I have had them in the truck now for a couple months and so far no problems. Here is the link for the boots: CV Boot Kits, joint boots, filters, car spare parts by Mecatech

 

I pay $70 for new not reman cv axles from autozone with no core charge. They may not be factory but the boots seem a little longer and seem pretty good. I have had them last around 4 years and then I just replace the whole axle again. Cheaper than a good boot kit, I get fresh axles every few years, and I don't have to go through the pain of replacing just the boot.

 

i put a sumo-heavy bead of rtv on my boot and i'm not sure if the boot tore because of it being cranked but it has a hole on the inside of the outer boot on the right side.

i'd rather do that until the joints actually go bad which in that time i'll probably need them but i'll cross that bridge when i get to it.

 

i put a sumo-heavy bead of rtv on my boot and i'm not sure if the boot tore because of it being cranked but it has a hole on the inside of the outer boot on the right side.

i'd rather do that until the joints actually go bad which in that time i'll probably need them but i'll cross that bridge when i get to it.

 

Who is the manufacturer of the cv axle? part number?

 

Its a Duralast part #9337N