I just had the third driver's side half shaft replaced in as many weeks because one of the boots were split or damaged and slung grease everywhere. The first two were Car Quest brand. (which really isn't a brand at all in my mind) For the third I asked for Cardone. (put on today) But either of these have neoprene boots which are very soft and rubbery where as the oem original that is still on the truck seems to be a much tougher material. I am guessing that this is the Hytrel material that I have read about on the web. (which I believe is a material coated in urethane)

Would I have to buy the GM part to get this tougher material? I think it's strange that any of the half shafts that I find on line boast of meeting OEM specs yet all have the softer neoprene material.

Why not just get a replacement boot from the dealer and have them clean it out and put the new boot on. I did this from running on corn stubble and that afternoon was good to go.

The shop I'm using does not have the banding tools to do a boot replacement. This also tends to be more labor intensive than just replacing the complete shaft. They had the last shaft in by 8:30 this morning and they only open at 7.