I replaced both of my outer boots w/ the axels on the car but it is a little awkward because you have to keep bent over for so long. My 58 year old back can't handle it as well as it used to. Mine weren't split but had a couple of little nicks suspiciously cut into them in an unusual place as if a previous mechanic was trying to generate future business for himself!!! The hardest job is getting the axle nut off and you may want to get a replacement nut before you start. It has to be indented after tightening. I removed the lower A arm to get extra room and the axle has to be supported with some blocks, wire or jackstand. Once the CV retainer clip is removed the joint usually slips off w/o too much trouble. It's really a messy job though with all that old dirty grease to deal with. Replaceing the axle is definitely the easier way to go but about a hundred dollars more costly. Some transmission fluid may be lost also. Replacements are usually "rebuilds" and you have to examine them very closely. They're not always in the best of shape. I've found marginal CV's simply repacked and resold. So if you're not careful you can end up with ones that are worse than those you allready have. Good luck.