Thread: Split boot seal - so replace complete lower control arm ?

I had my D3 serviced yesterday (2007 4.0L V6 petrol). Car has 88k on the clock, but they carried out a "144,000/72 month" service based on its age. They didn't find too much wrong with it, but mentioned one of the boots on the lower control arm has split. They've offered to either replace the boot (for a total of just under $500, including labour), or replace the entire control arm (for around $850 including labour).

Neither option excites me terribly much

Is it really a $500 job to replace one of these boots ? Is replacing the whole arm worth it ??

A related concern - two services ago, the same service department reported that there was "a leak from the LHF diff seal, and the lower control arm ball joints and hydra bushes were worn and required replacement". I hadn't noticed any oil stains on the garage floor, nor experienced any knocking sounds or other symptoms of bad ball joints (which had been replaced under warranty a couple of year ago, when the vehicle had about 40k on the clock) so I ignored these apparent problems and did nothing about them (yes, I'm a bad bad man). The dealer hasn't reported any of these issues on either of the two subsequent services, so I'm a bit dubious about their initial diagnosis.

However, with their latest finding about the split boot, I'm thinking I might just get both control arms replaced anyway. Is this something that a semi-competent guy can do in his own garage, or it really a job for the service guys ? Looking at a couple of threads on Aulro and disco3, I think it is something I might be brave enough to try myself...
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/...h-install.html
DISCO3.CO.UK - View topic - How to fit new wishbone (lower arm) and track rod end

Thanks Rich. I think I'll have a go at doing them myself.