FJ40 Tie Rod Boots - OEM vs After Market

[Jalbao]

I need new tie rod boots for my '72 FJ40. However, my local auto stores don't carry the OEM type of boots like these

.

Instead, my local shops carry after market boots like these

Should I stick with the OEM type of boots or does it not really matter? - or, maybe the after market boots are preferred?

 

[miker]

I like the OEM design because there is a positive seal around the rod end (large end of the boot). They are secured with a spiral wire ring into the groove in the OEM rod end. The aftermarket boots do not have this feature and the grease will tend to ooze out requiring more frequent maintenance.

 

[Michael Hanson]

Hi, The 555 brand made in Japan works well. Mike

 

[ColonelMustardFJ40]

I have used aftermarket boots from CCOT and after a year or two they crack and fall apart - suboptimal. I now have OEM boots and no problems.

 

[DSRTRDR]

I have the aftermarket boots (the red ones from an autoparts store) - going on 7 years now

they get dirty soon enough that the red color doesn't irk me

 

[zags]

I have used aftermarket boots from CCOT and after a year or two they crack and fall apart - suboptimal. I now have OEM boots and no problems.

I had the same issue with the aftermarket boots I installed from SOR during a restoration. They were junk before I had even driven my 40!

 

[pbgbottle]

i've used the aftermarket ones also and never had an issue ,mine were red tho you might want to ask what color they are .you may not like the red color

 

[Degnol]

I have used aftermarket boots from CCOT and after a year or two they crack and fall apart - suboptimal. I now have OEM boots and no problems.

Same experience here with the CCOT boots.