Now you're catching on.

 

You do not have to pull the stub axle out of the transmission. Remove the large metal tie around the boot and the the axle comes apart. See this video:

When you understand that the only things that holds a CV axle together are the large metal tie wraps holding the large ends of the boots to each end of the CV assy then its pretty east to understand how to do with the axle remaining in the transmission

Just 2 months ago I repaired the boots on my Evo without having to remove the transmission axle shaft. Remove the large metal boot tie and the whole axle slides out of the housing. Remove the metal tie on the small end of the boot and slide the boot down to the middle axle. You'll then have to remove the C clip at the end of the middle axle and then the CV bearings all slide off. clean off all the grease, slide the torn boot off the end of the axle and then re-install in reverse steps.

 

Correct. If you are not wanting to remove the axle, it can be done otherwise. I found it easier just to take it out. It gives me a chance to inspect other parts, replace seals, etc.
Not having to wrestle with all the parts while laying under the car is a bonus

 

Oooh I gotcha! Thank you for that.

 

I can see that!

Getting that band off (not to mention back on) with just jack stands is going to be challenging. In fact, I'm finding most jobs are ten times harder without a proper lift.

 

I prefer removing stuff so I dont have PITA parts stuck together in an emergency <- definitely not the right time holding a BFH

 

I bit the bullet and got a lift that works in my garage (only goes up 40"+) and it's been a game changer. Sitting on a stool and having everything right above me is really nice. So is standing next to the car and having suspension pieces at chest height.

 

Excuses.
I did my boots on my car with it on jack stands. Removing the bands isn't that hard. Stick a medium flat blade screwdriver between the tabs on the band to pry open the tabs. Once you pry open the tabs then the whole band just opens right up. It's super simple and takes about 5 mins. I'm an old man at almost 50 years old and this was no sweat.
Putting the new band back on was a little bit harder but not bad. Fold the band over, hold it in place, bend the tabs over to hold it in place and done.

 

The inner bands fold over, but the outer need to be crimped. Fun.

 

I got the bands and crimper from Amazon.

 

Which crimper did you use? The one I have doesn't want to grip. I was hoping to get this whole thing wrapped up today but might not happen.

*Edit - got one of them crimped...but the damn crimping tool broke in the process.

 

I'll go out and look. I used it once then put it away.... That was two years ago. 😂

 

Haha, the ones I've tried have been one-time use...though not by my choosing.

Either way, job's done. FAs are on, boot is fixed, ball joint replaced (another long story), now just needs an alignment and I'll snap some shots of her new stance.

 

Sweet, dude! Congrats!!

 

Glad to see you still have the car. We need to link up sometime.