I was asking Classic Center (who is sending me the boot) ...that it is coming NOT with new metal rings....I think I damaged the old one very much when I removed it the other day.
What shall I do? Without these rings the boots won't be safe and tight.
Martin

Larry, I agree with you as well. With all of the work needed to get to the darn things, I definitely can't see just changing a boot. If a clean spindle and new ball joints are taken to a shop, by themselves, many times they will change them out for low $'s. IIRC, an independent shop only charged me $25 and they were done in about 15 minutes.

Once the OP gets it apart, he may agree as well.

__________________
Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

update:

I think I was lucky.
I opened up the lower ball joint by removing the cone down at the ball joint and I removed the cone at the upper CA.
For the lower cone I needed a puller, big hammer, heat and patience...all 4 together freed up the cone an it came out fine. The UCA cone is relatively easy.
I found the lower BJ with not much play (however the upper CA ball joint had much more play even if the boot looks fine.

I decided to go with just changing the boot and grease and fine. I know this is not the most solid solution but actually fine for now. I am sure I need to revisit the entire front axle...change all the ball joints and rubber. I think This will be a bigger session when the time comes.

Thanks for your help.
Martin