I'm bumping this thread because I just finished changing out my driver's side. I wanted to share a few notes from my install to help out others making a decision on what to do.
Truck: 2003 DC 4wd, 107K
Driver's side boot started noticeably leaking last Summer from a slight increase in lift and wear I assume.
Zip tie made it better, but it didn't last.
Off the shelf hose clamps are too wide, but if you combine two smaller diameter, narrower width clamps, they work like a charm. Stopped the leak.
To add some more lube, I used a fine needle type grease gun insert to go inside the boot before I zip tied or used the clamps.
However, then the boot tore most likely due to not being able to move thanks to the clamp. Note to self, you can clamp too tightly on an old CV.
Emergency fix: Bicycle tube cut up and zip tied around cv to prevent dirt and other crap from getting in
I ordered the boot kit after reading about the differences between OEM and an off the shelf unit. However, once I pulled the CV out, I didn't feel like doing all of the extra work to reboot it, so I searched for opinions on which axle is best. This is what I found. I did not want to give up my OEM CV so I didn't want to pay a core charge.
Best: Napa Altrom brand. Apparently, this is an OEM CV, but they don't stock it around here. 5 days to order $125, no core
Better: Napa Maximum Drive brand, new, not a reman, lifetime warranty, three side inner end. $102, no core
or, Advanced, GSP, new, lifetime warranty, three sided inner, $70, no core
Good: Anything that is a Remanufactured OEM with the three sided inner surface. You will have to go around and open alot of boxes to see.
I went with the Advanced model, but for peace of mind, I wish I had waited on an Altrom. If you have the money, order an altrom unit and keep it as your spare for when you need it.
Whatever you do, get one with the three flat sides on the inner shaft. You'll need that surface to tap on to get it in the diff.
You will lose some diff fluid. I replaced mine with a cheaper brand until I know I know the seal is holding. Then, I'll replace with something better.
Take off your skid plates. It will make it much easier to see everything and you will want to wipe down any residual oil to spot a leak later on.
Good luck.
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