Another CV boot question

[lnnguyen01]

The driver's side CV boot on my 2004 3.0 is torn. No clicking or grinding noise.

Dealer quotes $500 to replace.

I called my independent shop and was shocked when he said he always recommend just keep driving it until the axle is damaged and replace the whole thing at that time. Said that dirt and grime has already infiltrated the exposed joint and a new boot can't remove the dirt and prevent the joint from wearing down anyways. He said it may still take a long time for the axle to fail and most of the cost to replace boot or axle is from labor not parts anyways.

Makes sense when he explains it but I would think a new boot at least keeps more dirt, etc from getting in and keep the axle longer. But what he says also makes sense from a labor cost standpoint.

He did quote me $600 to replace both axle & boot when the time comes.

Any thoughts?