<< for all the work I've done, it would've been easier to just buy a new frikkin half-shaft. >>

Been there....... Done that......


After having replaced boots 'only' on a few earlier vehicles many years ago, I was thrilled when they started offering 'remanufactured' axles. Replacing boots is a royal pain in the a$$ compared to the simplicity of swapping out a 'whole' axle (especially on Subaru's). (just had to replace both front axles on my 'new' used Legacy Touring Wagon- 3 of 4 boots 'gone'... ) As others have stated, you can do it in well under an hour with a minimum of tools. An impact wrench is strongly recommended for suspension work, though.

Many of the aftermarket axle suppliers are offering 'lifetime' warranties on their axles- which means- even if you crack or tear a boot, they have to give you a whole new axle. The only way to 'fly'.........

-Mark