I wanted to state it here because I couldn't find the info through a search:
The drive axle is intended to be one piece and you CANNOT buy just a CV Axle Boot Kit.
After having the parts for over a year, I finally decided to take an opportunity to install the level. Unfortunately for me, this weekend was a designated "honey-do" weekend where the kids and wife left so we can get the house fixed up a bit. All was going well with the install until a bit devilish juju struck when I ripped the CV boot while prying the strut back into the truck. This is the time it's most likely to happen during install and I highly recommend putting something against the boot to protect it. I didn't have a piece of steel so I used a bondo applicator on the other side and it saved me from a second torn boot.
After calling the dealers and doing a search online, I accepted that it was going to be a $500+ fix because you have to buy the entire axle. Rather than driving around and spewing grease everywhere while I delayed the inevitable replacement, I took the spare vehicle and grabbed one from the dealership so I could get the truck back on the road without a mess.
Second fun fact for this post: the axles are the same part number for driver side and passenger side, at least on the 4x4 V8.
I hope this helps someone else!
The drive axle is intended to be one piece and you CANNOT buy just a CV Axle Boot Kit.
After having the parts for over a year, I finally decided to take an opportunity to install the level. Unfortunately for me, this weekend was a designated "honey-do" weekend where the kids and wife left so we can get the house fixed up a bit. All was going well with the install until a bit devilish juju struck when I ripped the CV boot while prying the strut back into the truck. This is the time it's most likely to happen during install and I highly recommend putting something against the boot to protect it. I didn't have a piece of steel so I used a bondo applicator on the other side and it saved me from a second torn boot.
After calling the dealers and doing a search online, I accepted that it was going to be a $500+ fix because you have to buy the entire axle. Rather than driving around and spewing grease everywhere while I delayed the inevitable replacement, I took the spare vehicle and grabbed one from the dealership so I could get the truck back on the road without a mess.
Second fun fact for this post: the axles are the same part number for driver side and passenger side, at least on the 4x4 V8.
I hope this helps someone else!