The Dorman boots I tried are a multi-size design - made to be cut to fit. The portion suitable for the Mercedes axle was similar to OE except for maybe having an extra pleat. If I could've easily separated the joints, I would have used the Dorman boots, but they just wouldn't stretch enough using the tranny-funnel, and nobody around here had the special tools.
Compared to the Dorman boots, I've read posts here that the Astoria boots are thinner/softer/looser, but some have had problems with them getting pinched/cut in the joints during axle installation.
Others have had the boots split when they tried to stretch them. Fortunately, I was able to return my Dorman boots before I wound up ruining them.
My local MB parts-place has the CVJ axles in stock, so I'll probably be going with those.

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW

I don't think CVJ is just rebooting the axles, I think they are actually cutting off the cans, grinding the spiders for the next larger size balls, and fitting in new balls. the problem with the rebuilds, are the original heat treated spiders, lose the hardness during the rebore and the rebuilt joint will not last as long because of it. also, the new cans have to be crimped on, and it's not as good a fit as the original new cans.

I have had SEVERAL of the astoria boots split during the stretch with the boot gun. turns out the fingers on the tool are stamped steel, and the rough edges were just sharp enough to cut into the small end and once the abraison started, the boot just tore right in half. I pulled apart my gun, took each finger and polished them smooth.
the gun works 1000x better, and I haven't torn a boot since!

those of you using a flex or dorman boot gun, inspect the metal fingers!

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 560SL convertible
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 158"WB
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

So some of your new ones split after mine were splitting? That makes me feel a little better; implies that our "old rubber" theory doesn't hold.

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~Michael S.~
Past cars:

1986 300SDL
1987 300SDL
1982 240D
1982 300SD


Current:

1987 300SDL