I always re-use original boots.
Finding long-lasting new boots is a challenge.
   there was a discussion a few months ago on that.
'maybe' it was Empi boots that are the good new ones.

I got a VW Dealer one for abou $ 35 ..havn't used it yet. Someone said
those last about a year.
original ones last up to 30 years.
I use them whenever possible.

the joints go on one way only ...see Bentley.
what I've always done is mount the joint so the groove is away from the
axle.
If you look at the ball cage really carefully I think you'll see it's
not symmetrical.

I never use those warpy/cone  washers. Haven't found the need to.

On 10/15/2013 2:54 PM, ralph meyermann wrote:
> Hi all! me again bugging the biggest collective of Vanagon knowledge for
> help. I finally removed one side to replace the cv joints and noticed a
> difference between the old and the new lobro ones. The new ones seem to
> have a small shoulder on one side and the old ones do not, and the old ones
> seem not to have the cone shaped washer provided in the new kits? Also if
> my boots arent torn should I reuse them? Thanks as always
> --
> Velma 1982 1.9L AAZ turbo diesel Westy
>