New pass. side front axle. Had my trusty local guy check it out as it was slinging grease through the wheel. He suggested replacing the axle given it's age (150k) and torn boots. It's about the same labor to reboot or re-axle so the extra hundred bucks for a new axle seemed like smart money at this point.
And at well below freezing, I'm happy to support my local economy and let someone else (with a garage and all the proper tools) do the job.
Good thing, too, because the snow and ice are here in force in Vermont. I think that next time I get a fat client check I'll be upgrading the tires. The dealer I bought the truck from in August put brand new Uniroyal Laredos on it but I haven't been super impressed with them in the snow so far. Good excuse to go to a a set of General Grabber at2's which will be a more aggressive AT (for mild offroading) and carry the mountain snowflake symbol. I should be able to sell the Laredos and recoup some of the cost.
He said I have a pinhole in a boot on the other side but that it was fine for now. I may just try to clean it up and put some frog tape over it if I get a warm day here at some point.