Thanks to all who replied to this query.  I'll get some boots for the tie rod ends and get them installed, then.  Will I have to realign the front end afterward?  I would think so.

BTW, the use of Beetle boots for this reminds me that we just installed Jetta CV boots.  This is getting to be a hybrid vehicle (though so far as I know those are the only non-Vanagon parts it has).

mcneely

---- Daryl Christensen <daryl@AATRANSAXLE.COM> wrote: 
> I used the Bug stuff on Vanagon's quite often thru the years..Tight fit, but
> works perfectly.
> 
> Daryl of AA Transaxle
> 425-788-4070
> "On the cutting edge of Old technology"
> 86 Syncro Westy w/Turbo Zetec in the trunk
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Old Volks Home
> Sent: Saturday, May 28, 2011 10:56 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: tie rod boots on '91 campmobile
> 
> Dave -
> 
> I just took a look at the boot and compared with both the Beetle and
> Vanagon (German Lemforder) tie rod end and boot and I really see no
> difference.  The center hole starts small on the boot but should
> expand with the tapered end as it is shoved down, rubber is pretty
> pliable.
> -- 
> Jim Thompson
> 84 GL 1.9 "Gloria"
> 84 Westfalia 2.1 "Ole Putt"
> 72 411 Station Wagon "Pug"
> 75 914 1.8 "Nancy"
> Full Timing Since March 1999
> oldvolkshome@gmail.com
> http://www.oldvolkshome.com
> ***********************************
> On Sat, May 28, 2011 at 10:15 AM, Old Volks Home <oldvolkshome@gmail.com>
> wrote:
> > Cracked boots will contribute to wearing the tie rod ends sooner.
> > Unfortunately, after checking both the fiche and ETKA, it appears VW
> > never offered the boots as a separately replaceable item - interesting
> > note though, it shows the wire ring that retains the boot to the tie
> > rods end and that is available (111 415 837).  Since that is a Beetle
> > number, you might be able to use the corresponding boot (Beetle Late
> > 68-79, Bus to 79):
> >
> >
> http://www.airheadparts.com/vintage-vw-parts/tie-rod-ends/boot-tie-rod-end-1
> 13415835
> >
> > This is a great quality repro from VWG, much better than the thin
> > material of the original.  Might be worth checking out.
> >
> > Only speculating, dunno if they would work, I'll have to compare the
> > boot to the assembly Airhead keeps in stock.
> > --
> > Jim Thompson
> > 84 GL 1.9 "Gloria"
> > 84 Westfalia 2.1 "Ole Putt"
> > 72 411 Station Wagon "Pug"
> > 75 914 1.8 "Nancy"
> > Full Timing Since March 1999
> > oldvolkshome@gmail.com
> > http://www.oldvolkshome.com
> > ***********************************
> > On Sat, May 28, 2011 at 9:26 AM, Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@cox.net> wrote:
> >> are cracked.  Mechanic said replace them when tie rod ends are bad and
> need replaced.
> >>
> >> So, (1) how do I know when the tie rod ends are bad, and (2) won't
> cracked boots contribute to them going bad sooner?  Can I replace the boots
> only?  There seems to be no problem with steering or suspension.  I had the
> thing aligned last time I bought tires (20K miles ago), and the tech did not
> mention any difficulty with the alignment.
> >>
> >> I looked for tie rod end boots from a couple of vendors, but one had
> nothing relating to tie rods, and one had only a kit including the rest of
> the parts.

--
David McNeely