2004 F150 4x4 cv boot replacement

I have a torn right side outer CV joint boot and am trying to figure if it would be easier to replace the entire axle or just the boot. I really hate the idea od taking the entire axle apart to do the boot when I can just pop in a new axle. Pros and Cons Please. Also going to do the left front 4x4 actuator..........These Vacuum 4x4 area mess if they get wet. I just looked at the Port on the intake and it was completely plugged with dirt and was never creating any vacuum for the 4x4. I have a feeling that the prior owner let this truck either sit in water or it was in a flood :runaround::rofl::rofl::rofl:.

I will say which option is cheaper; just the boot. I know throwing a new axle in is easier, but taking the existing one apart and putting on a new boot is smarter. My thought is why throw out a perfectly good axle if it's just the torn boot? Just be sure to clean the cv joint out really well and pack it with fresh grease before the new boot goes on. Also, if there's a 4wd actuator right there that needs attention, good call taking care of that while you're in there.

I will say which option is cheaper; just the boot. I know throwing a new axle in is easier, but taking the existing one apart and putting on a new boot is smarter. My thought is why throw out a perfectly good axle if it's just the torn boot? Just be sure to clean the cv joint out really well and pack it with fresh grease before the new boot goes on. Also, if there's a 4wd actuator right there that needs attention, good call taking care of that while you're in there.
The actuator on the side where the boot is needed(rs) was replaced whit in the last 2 months, but the one on the left has not been done. NTB did the Axle at a cost of $800 for the prior owner BUT DID NOT do the actuator. Took the hoses of the left and right actuators and the left one is stuck ,,,,so it needs replacement. Couldn't believe the intake was as clogged that I needed to use a drill bit and poke it open to get flow to the manifold. Whom ever had this truck before really did no upkeep. Had to cover the actuator solenoid with a plastic glove so water would not be sucked in to it from the rain gutter under the hood. Ford ends the gutter right on top of the switch. No wonder it got clogged it was sucking water from everywhere it could. Needs a complete over haul and cleaning. FORD Fix Or Repaid Daily:naughty:

The new actuators come with a drip guard above them and are supposed to be mounted further to the center to lessen the chance of water drip. Should have been an item for a recall, but unless it is safety related and people die from a problem, the manufacturers seem to leave the problem solving up to the after market and our wallets to solve.