Thanks for the tips. I always forget that Auto Zone rents tools. I rented that crowsfoot puller with the slide hammer. The key is to remove the motor mount that sits just in front of the halfshaft (on the passenger side). My next problem is the inboard boot. It has no crimp clamp like the outboard boot has. I cannot figure out how to get the inboard boot onto the axle end with the splines that goes into the transmission (I'm blanking out on the name right now). The metal ring on the boot is too small to fit over axle end. The WIS says you're supposed to "crimp" it onto the axle endpiece. Impossible, it won't fit. I have checked the part number 5 times with the MB EPC and it matches up to the VIN every time.

The old torn inboard boot has no metal ring built into it like the new part does. Was there a TSB somewhere? I looked and found none. I have to call the dealer tomorrow. Anyone have any insight?

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