I have an 82 300D with 200,000+ miles. The rear CV boots are cracked (probably old age cracks) but have not broken and probably still have the original oil that was put in at the factory. As far as I know, the axels are fine and I have no rear end noise (from the car).

Is it better to replace the entire axel (with re-built) or to simply replace the four CV boots? I am leaning toward just the boots. From other threads, it looks like a toss-up between replacing the lubricant with gear oil or the grease that comes with the new boots: I will probably use gear oil. Either way, how difficult is the job from 1 to 5, with 1 being changing a tire? And an estimate of time from start to finish (then I double it for myself).

I have read the DIY from DMorrison and want to thank him for the effort he put in and the pictures so I can even consider tackling this job. Also the one from tobybul, thanks to him also.

Any suggestions on how to make the job easier will be appreaciated. I have access to a lift so won't have to do it lying on my back.

I am assuming that I will need the annular boots because that is what the car looks like.

__________________
Better, Faster, Cheaper, pick two.