Noticed the drivers side lower front ball joint dust cover is split. Cant find any guide that deals with just the cover. Is it possible to just remove lower nut, jack the suspenion arm up slightly, split the joint and then lower the arm to gain access to deal with the cover?

 

The joint is 18 yrs old. Who knows how long it's been getting dirt in it. With all the work to replace the boot it would be more prudent to replace the ball joint since your there already.