The balljoint boot on my '82 developed a crack at the outer fold. I injected some grease and taped it up with self-vulcanizing rubber tape. That was about 1995 (reported to this list in an early post). Still tight, though I have to occasionally replace the tape. 
Martin
    On Monday, June 26, 2023, 3:07:48 p.m. MDT, Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:  
 
 Question on lower  ball joint boot.

        My 84  has a ripped lower ball joint boot.  I’m wondering if I can replace it and try to save and just clean and re grease the lower ball joint. 

Or, do I have to replace the ball joint?

My thinking is I might be able to do the boot myself, but likely not the lower joint.  And, I’d like to keep the German ball joint rather than a replacement.

Thoughts on the idea of fixing the boot? 

And description of the job would be greatly appreciated.  
 For new listers, I’m blind so video’s or pictures don’t help.  I need a verbal description.

Also, source for quality boots appreciated. 

I’m thinking I would replace both sides as the other is intact but I suspect ready to fail. 

Eric Caron 
84 Vanagon.