Upper ball joint boot leak—replace UBJs or just boot kit?

[starclassic]

So I noticed today as I was cleaning my wheels that my front left UBJ boot has finally given up the ghost. My lower ball joints were replaced (preventative, OEM) about 10k ago. I'm at 222k total, I do not know if the UBJs have ever been replaced (thinking not?).

I haven't jacked it up to test the play in the joint yet, but if there isn't too much play should I be okay to just get a boot kit (Toyota OEM 43324-39015, I believe) and go that route? Or at this point does it make more sense to just replace both UBJs and call it a day? Also: I'm running a 3" Toytec lift (only about 1500 miles on it).

 

[Black798]

I would say replace both of the joints as an assembly if your going to have it taken apart anyway. A little more experience but then you know they're good for another 200,000.

 

[MandAtaco]

If it were mine, I would just replace the ball joint and be done with it.

 

[pluton]

I had the exact same thing on mine, at about 130K miles...about a year after I acquired the truck. I figured do it now, and I'm covered for the remaining life of the truck.

 

[JayRolla]

I have leaks at every single boot on oem parts replaced in last 2 years. Don't worry unless it has play.