CV Boot - Inner

Replacement of the inner CV boot on a 1972 Ford F-100 with 302ci V8. Note: This generation F-100 uses a solid front axle with U-joints, not CV joints with boots.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Inner CV boot kit (if aftermarket conversion present) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Verify that the vehicle has an aftermarket independent front suspension conversion with CV axles installed. The factory configuration does not use CV joints.
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
3. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels.
4. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground.
5. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands under the frame rails.
6. Remove front wheel on the side being serviced.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect front suspension configuration
   Confirm the presence of CV axles and CV boots. The factory 1972 F-100 uses a solid beam front axle with no CV joints. If the vehicle has the original suspension, this repair does not apply. Look for an aftermarket independent front suspension with drive axles extending from a differential to the wheel hubs.
2. 2

   Remove brake caliper
   If aftermarket IFS is present with disc brakes, remove the brake caliper mounting bolts and support the caliper with wire or a bungee cord. If the vehicle retains factory drum brakes or has drum brakes on the aftermarket IFS, remove the brake drum instead. Do not let it hang by the brake hose. The exact bolt count and location will depend on the IFS conversion kit used.
3. 3

   Remove axle nut
   Remove the center axle nut that secures the CV axle to the wheel hub. This may require an impact wrench or breaker bar. Have an assistant apply the brakes or use a pry bar to prevent the hub from rotating.
4. 4

   Separate outer CV joint from hub
   Pull the steering knuckle and hub assembly outward to disengage the outer CV joint splines from the wheel hub. You may need to tap the end of the axle with a soft mallet or use a puller if the splines are seized.
5. 5

   Remove inner CV axle from differential
   Using a pry bar between the inner CV joint housing and the differential case, carefully pry the inner CV axle out of the differential. Be prepared for fluid to drain from the differential. The axle is retained by a circlip on the inner stub shaft.
6. 6

   Remove CV axle assembly
   Once both ends are disconnected, remove the entire CV axle assembly from the vehicle. Place it on a clean workbench for disassembly.
7. 7

   Remove inner boot clamps
   Cut or release the clamps securing the inner CV boot to both the axle shaft and the inner CV joint housing. There are typically two clamps per boot.
8. 8

   Slide off inner boot
   Slide the damaged inner boot off the axle shaft. Clean all old grease from the inner CV joint, axle shaft, and surrounding areas using solvent and shop rags.
9. 9

   Inspect inner CV joint
   Examine the inner CV joint for wear, pitting, or damage. Check the balls, races, and cage for excessive wear. If the joint is damaged, it must be replaced along with the boot. Rotate the joint through its full range of motion to check for binding or rough spots.
10. 10

    Install new inner boot
    Slide the new inner CV boot onto the axle shaft with the small end toward the center of the axle. Ensure the boot is not twisted and is positioned correctly before proceeding.
11. 11

    Pack CV joint with grease
    Pack the inner CV joint with the grease supplied in the boot kit. Fill the joint completely and also place grease inside the boot itself. Use the entire grease packet provided.
12. 12

    Seat boot and install clamps
    Position the inner boot into the grooves on both the axle shaft and the CV joint housing. Ensure the boot is not stretched or compressed excessively. Install new clamps and tighten them securely using the appropriate clamp tool or method for the clamp type provided in the kit.
13. 13

    Reinstall CV axle into differential
    Install a new circlip on the inner stub shaft of the CV axle. Insert the inner CV joint into the differential, pushing firmly until the circlip engages with an audible click. Pull outward on the axle to confirm it is locked in place.
14. 14

    Reinstall outer CV joint into hub
    Guide the outer CV joint splines into the wheel hub. Push the hub assembly inward to fully seat the splines. Install the axle nut and tighten it finger-tight for now.
15. 15

    Reinstall brake components and wheel
    Reinstall the brake caliper with its mounting bolts. Reinstall the wheel and thread the lug nuts on by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire contacts the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded.

Reassembly

1. With the vehicle on the ground and weight on the suspension, torque the axle nut to the specification provided by the IFS conversion kit manufacturer (typically 150-200 ft-lbs, but verify with your specific kit).
2. Torque wheel lug nuts to factory specification in a star pattern.
3. Check differential fluid level and top off if necessary with 80W-90 GL-5 gear oil.
4. Test drive the vehicle and listen for clicking or popping noises from the CV joints during turns.

Verification

• Verify no grease leakage from the inner CV boot.
• Confirm the axle is securely locked into the differential by attempting to pull it outward.
• Test drive and verify smooth operation with no clicking, popping, or vibration.
• Check that the boot clamps are secure and the boot is not twisted or damaged.

More procedures for this vehicle