Axle Boots: How torn is too torn?

[acme66]

1984 M923. Both my boots are cracked/torn at 12 o'clock. Doing some research on changing them the few pictures of blown boots I found were in way worse shape than this. I am lacking a frame of reference for how bad is to bad. Is any hole one to many or is it like my old Cj5? I am also toying with the idea of careful cleaning and some RTV black.

So in a realistic sense am I looking at a change it now, watch it closely or an eh it's fine sort of situation?





Ken

 

[hndrsonj]

If it was my truck it would be changed.

 

[Floridianson]

How wet is water?

 

[Julian]

If you plan to keep the truck, you will change it at some point. The longer you wait, the more abrasives and corrosives will enter making additional work sooner rather than later.

 

[Flyingvan911]

I say change them. Their job is to seal out any and all contamination. Any tear is too much.

 

[glcaines]

Change them!

 

[acme66]

Well that is that then. I wish there was more consensus on who's boots are worth a darn. I have a weepy axle seal so I guess I will do the one piece and change that while I am in there.

Ken

 

[acme66]

I am looking at this kit with silicone, I saw others that came with bushings but nothing seems to indicate a need for that yet. I assume I will need a pair of hub gaskets?

Ken