I got OEM german boots installed 3 years ago and although they developed
lots of small cracks but no splits yet. I spend 40% of my driving on dirt roads, making
those boots work harder. But it mainly applies to only outside(wheel) boots
that do a lot more flexing. Trans side boots should last very long time due to much
less flexing. I had 2 outside boots replaced ab. 2 years ago after outer CV joint
came off due to loosened bolts courtesy washboard road in DVNP.
 Boots were still ok but had to replace joints.
The new boots i used are made from hi-tek plastic and holding up well.Made by Rockford.
As for "aftermarket axles", i would't install those in my Vanagon.
It's messy job to replace CV joints but new ones will last long time and
it's well worth it. Ab. $115 / axle in parts. Easy job compared to some modern front drive cars.
Leon
Torrance, CA

7/29/02 5:25:27 AM, "Greenamyer, William L" <william.l.greenamyer@BOEING.COM> wrote:

>Got a question for those who keep track of repairs.  What have you found to
>be the rated life of your CV boots?  Seems that the ones that have been
>installed on my Vanagon last about 3 months (up to 9000 miles in some cases)
>and split.  This has occurred several times now.  The parts my mechanic are
>using are aftermarket axles with the boots already installed.  The boots
>that split are usually the ones next to the trans.  Once it was a boot at
>the tire.  Messy either way.
>
>William
>
>