If the boots weren't torn before this, and the joints don't feel excessively loose, you should be able to disassemble clean and install new boots for far less than the cost of new axles.

Agreed - they say (the experts here) that an original axle with new boots is way better than anything that is cheap and new.

Take a look at these threads I've collected

Axle Boot threads

Has Anyone Used: Doorman Uni-Fit CV Boot Air Tool

W123 axle R&R job--some questions?

Happy (speed) reading!

You read my mind. The axles from the P&P are tight as wax (well, nice and tight) and I don't mind going down the rebooting road. They ordered another axle, we will see if this one fits. If it does, I'll use the new one....if it doesn't then I'll reboot.

Thanks again for all the help.

__________________

77' 300D, "Cartman" SOLD @ 150K (didn't know what I had)
83' 300SD, "The Superdon" 325k+ @ 28mpg
95 E320 wagon, "Millennium Falcon" 231k+ @ 24 Mpg
95 E300D, "Sherley" 308k @ 33.69 Mpg, currently anticipating a head
99 Suzuki Intruder "Trudy" @ 45 mpg

Should be the final update for this thread. We finally got an axle that would fit. The third try at Oreilly's got us a 500sel axle that fits perfect. Trailing arm from pick and pull. New diff oil, adjusted parking brake (did I mention that now my parking brake works) new plastics on the anti sway bar, replaced the rubber mounts for the exhaust.

Car rides like brand new.

One mile, test drive, get back, key won't turn.

I keep shaking, no dice.

My friend tries, no dice. tries too hard. key breaks off in ignition

I both love and hate this car.

drilled out ignition, running on buddies junked wagon key tumbler.

But I'm on the road and it drives like a brand new car.

__________________

77' 300D, "Cartman" SOLD @ 150K (didn't know what I had)
83' 300SD, "The Superdon" 325k+ @ 28mpg
95 E320 wagon, "Millennium Falcon" 231k+ @ 24 Mpg
95 E300D, "Sherley" 308k @ 33.69 Mpg, currently anticipating a head
99 Suzuki Intruder "Trudy" @ 45 mpg