$17 for two boots isn't bad, I paid about $10 for one the last time I bought one at Napa.

If there isn' any gravel, dirt, etc. ,in the grease when you get the boot off, just clean it up and put new grease on it.

If you don't have the tool to clamp the metal band down, get one, it is PITA to do it w/o one. They run about $13 at napa for a good one.

Easiest way to remove them is to loosen the nuts on the diff side and smack them w/ a hammer, so you can remove them completely. Either grind the splines down or replace them w/regular bolts, it will make it a lot easier to remove the CV in the future. W/the bolts removed on the diff side and after removing the hub, you should be able to slide the CV out towards the diff. You may have to work it around a bit, but it is easier then removing the spindle. Of course if the ball joints need replacing, you might as well and tear down each side.