What seems to cause the rips, is that the boot doesn't "seat" on the tie rod. Instead, it is a little pyramid, which just sits on the tie-rod. With the how the tie-rod fits, when it is tightened down it causes the boot to pinched pretty badly.

So imagine a pyramid type sleeve being pinched, and pushed down....eventually it is going to give. The poly boots(not sure on the #) should seat itself a little better on the tie-rod. I am not 100% this will elevate the problem...seeing as there isn't much room between where the tie-rod attaches to the spindle and the "head" of the tie-rod...I hope that makes sense <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

P.S. I wouldn't order the boots on Matt's site until you verify they will work with him. He uses a different tie-rod end all together. Find out what he uses, then you can either buy the ones that match them at a 4Wheelparts store or him if he can verify the ones shown above will work.

STeve