CV boot question
 

This might be a dumb question, but I've seen conflicting info, so I have to ask. I am replacing the CV boot on an 88. In the bentley book for 84 through 89, it says on all BUT 84 only the inner boot is replaceable. The outer boot must be replaced with the axle shaft. So, does this mean that if the outer boot is ripped, I have to replace the entire axle just for that boot?

No The outer CV JOINT is not replacable, it is friction welded to the shaft. With the inner joint removed both boots can be taken off. To clean the outer joint, fill it with solvent, use the shaft to create a butter churn washing machine movement, dump it out and repeat.

The Joint is still in good shape. The inner boot is just ripped. To replace just the boot, I have to take the inner joint off to get at the boot? The way it read in the bentley manual it sounded like I have the replace the entire axle for that ripped outer boot.

Rick is spot-on. You need to take the inner joint off the shaft so you can slide a new boot on for the outer joint (or for the inner joint for that matter).

If you are taking one joint off to clean, it's not a bad idea to do both. It'd be a shame to have to do it all over again if the outer boot rips in 1 month...considering it is a <$20 kit.