You may want to consider putting on an Energy Suspension boot in place of the boot that comes with the new ball joint. See post #35 http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/373416-needed-work-engine-mount-shifter-bushings-drivers-side-lower-ball-joint.html

It is not pleated like conventional boots which always fail at the pleats. Energy Suspension dust boot is a superior design IMO. The old failed boot looks to be the the same clear rubber that came with the Lemforder ball joint that I bought and I am not sure if the quality of Lemforder boots has changed (for the worse) over the years.

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85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 167,870 July 2025
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked