New CV axles or boots?

During the brake job from hell, I got a good look at my CV axles and very clearly need new outer boots at a minimum.


I've got an OME Lift kit (~3") from Wheelers just waiting to be put on, and going to do the ECGS needle bearing as well thanks to @lo2hi loaning me his removal tool, but my question becomes just the boots, or the entire shaft. In either case, looking for recommendations. Will any CV boot suffice, or should I be looking for something specific? Will any CV axle work - I do very little offroading, the lift is mostly just for looks and feel (I loved my OME kit on my '06)? I believe I can get these Napa CV Axles for about $95 each on my work account, or should I be looking at something designed for a lifted truck even if it's DD.

Product/manufacturer recommendations definitely appreciated

 

I personally just got napa replacement and have my old Toyota ones sitting on a shelf to reboot one of these days when I have time. The one napa has been on for over a year without any issues.

I'm replacing the boots with Toyota ones. The only thing you can really do to help with life span of the boots is the slide mod. Basically slide the boot further down the axle shaft so the boot fins don't rub.

 

Is your boot leaking? The boot ends at the band clamp. Seems the paint on the birfield joint body is flaking off in large chunks, which is not a problem. (The equivalent part on 4th gen is unpainted.)

 

I'm pretty sure there are chunks of rubber that are breaking off after the band clamp, and that it's not paint. I will check though in a couple hours on lunch

 

^Picture of new CV axle. Outer joint is on the upper right hand side of the picture. The boot doesn't extend beyond the band clamp:

 

What he said. I've done the same thing.