Al Zim wrote:Your leak is not due to improper instillation of the axle boots.
My boots aren't leaking, but I didn't want to wait for the Swepco to come by mail, just used the FLAPS variety of 90w oil.
Al Zim wrote: It is due to the ability for Swepco 201 to migrate through every little crevasse. One of my cars with a factory original transmission has Swepco leak out the oil breather on top of the transmission. Swepco is a mineral based oil, it just flows extremely well. Put a drip pan under the car and wash the transmission two or three times a year at the car wash.
I don't mind a small leak, and if you think it's worth changing to Swepco 201 I will not even wait until I need to change it. Will I notice a difference in shifting, or just a reduction in wear over a long time?
Al Zim wrote: When installing the split axle boots the axle should be perpendicular to the transmission (straight)
Jacked my axles up with the car on the lift, see photo above.
Al Zim wrote:We never use any sealant.
Good, I didn't. I assumed the instructions that came with the boot would say so if sealant was needed.
Al Zim wrote:Put your screws through the rubber with a washer on each side. tighten TILL THE RUBBER COMES TOGETHER NO MORE. Then with set of diagonal cutting pliers I gently distort the threads by the nut so they will not come loose.
I did tighten them too much at first, it's easy to do, but saw the seam separating and backed them off a little. Didn't think about distorting the threads.
Al Zim wrote: Get new good clamps put the large clamp on the inside, making sure the screw is facing down. The seam should be at 10:30 or 1: 30 as already mentioned. On the outer end push the axle boot about a half inch or so toward the center of the car and tighten the clamp. You should not distort the rubber when tightening the clamp.
Good clamps came with the boots. I am very happy with the quality of the boots, they just have a good quality feel to them, and came right away in the mail. I got them from some shop named Zims, maybe you've heard of them?
I didn't face the screws downward though, but did orient the seam as you suggest here.
Al Zim wrote: In Southern California plan or replacing the boots every 5 years. al zim
Does the dry air in CA dry them out faster than the humidity in Florida rots them? I just got a transmission overhaul in a well known shop near Tallahassee about 6ish years ago, and the boots were rotten and split when I recently put my car up on the lift. For what I paid for that work, I would hope he changed the boots!
Thank you VERY much for the words of wisdom. It's a luxury having such a quality knowledge base at my fingertips.